Jairzinho - The Hurricane
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Jairzinho - The Hurricane:
Early Life:
- Full Name: Jair Ventura Filho
- Born: December 25, 1944, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
- Nickname: Jairzinho
- Position: Right winger, forward, attacking midfielder
Playing Style:
- Jairzinho was a quick, skillful, and powerful right winger.
- Known for his finishing ability and goal-scoring prowess.
- Versatile forward capable of playing as a main striker, second striker, or attacking midfielder.
- Recognized for his burst of pace, dribbling, ball skills, shot power, and strength due to his muscular build.
- Nicknamed "The Hurricane" (O Furacão) because of the way his jersey would shake as he ran down the wing.
Career Highlights:
- Played most of his club football in South America, primarily with Rio de Janeiro club Botafogo.
- Spent eleven years at Botafogo due to economic and political factors, a common pattern for South American players of that era.
- Replaced his footballing idol Garrincha in both the Botafogo and Brazil national team.
- Played in three consecutive World Cups: 1966, 1970, and 1974.
1970 FIFA World Cup:
- Jairzinho played a key role and was the top scorer for the legendary Brazil national team that won the 1970 FIFA World Cup in Mexico.
- His performances, along with other stars like Pelé, Rivelino, and Gerson, contributed to Brazil's memorable World Cup victory.
- Jairzinho's ability to find the back of the net and his overall impact on the field solidified his place in football history.
Later Career:
- Played in Europe during the final years of his career, following a common pattern for South American players in the 1980s.
- Jairzinho's career spanned three decades, showcasing his longevity and adaptability as a footballer.
Jairzinho's legacy is marked by his contributions to Brazil's World Cup triumph in 1970, earning him a place among the footballing greats.
Jairzinho's Club Career Journey:
Botafogo (1958-1974):
- Jairzinho began his football career with Botafogo in 1958 at the age of 13.
- Started as a ball boy for the first team and played in the youth teams.
- Made his professional debut as a striker at the age of fifteen in 1960.
- Initially played on the left wing or as a center forward due to Garrincha's presence in his preferred right-wing position.
- Established himself as a Botafogo regular in 1965, playing alongside stars like Gérson, Mario Zagallo, and Garrincha.
- Played a crucial role in Botafogo's victory in the 1968 Campeonato Carioca and Taça Guanabara.
- Scored 186 goals in 413 appearances for Botafogo, ranking 6th in all-time top goal scorers for the club.
- His outstanding display in the 1970 FIFA World Cup brought more attention to Botafogo.
Marseille (1974-1975):
- In 1974, Jairzinho made a €300,000 move to Ligue 1 side Olympique de Marseille.
- Scored 9 goals in 18 games but left due to office management issues and a scuffle involving the referee.
Kaizer Chiefs (1975):
- Played for Kaizer Chiefs after his Marseille departure, scoring 7 goals in 3 league games.
- Enjoyed the atmosphere and reception, feeling "treated like a king."
Cruzeiro (1976):
- Signed with Cruzeiro in 1976, scoring 31 goals in 43 games across all competitions.
- Finished as the 2nd highest goal scorer in the 1976 Copa Libertadores.
Portuguesa (1977):
- Joined Venezuelan side Portuguesa in 1977, helping them win a record 16 games in a row.
- Scored 22 league goals in 24 games, contributing to their fourth championship.
Noroeste and Fast Club (1978-1979):
- Had a brief spell at Brazilian club Noroeste in the 1978 Campeonato Brasileiro Série A.
- Joined 2nd tier Campeonato Amazonense side Fast Clube in 1979, scoring 10 goals.
Jorge Wilstermann and Return to Botafogo (1980-1981):
- In 1980, signed for Bolivian side Club Deportivo Jorge Wilstermann, winning a title and scoring 6 goals.
- Returned to Botafogo in 1981 for the final season of his career, becoming an idol and scoring 1 goal in an Amistoso match.
Jairzinho's journey through various clubs showcases his adaptability, goal-scoring prowess, and contributions to teams in different leagues.
Jairzinho's International Career Highlights:
Early Years:
- Jairzinho made his international debut at the age of 19 in 1964 against Portugal, filling in for the injured Garrincha.
- Played in the 1966 FIFA World Cup in England as a left winger but struggled in that position, and Brazil exited the competition in the first round.
- After Garrincha's retirement from international football, Jairzinho took over his idol's role on the right wing.
1970 FIFA World Cup:
- Jairzinho played a crucial role in the 1970 FIFA World Cup in Mexico.
- Scored in every game Brazil played in the tournament, earning the nickname "Furacão da Copa" (World Cup Hurricane).
- His goal against Czechoslovakia, after an incredible solo run beating multiple players, is regarded as one of the best goals in World Cup history.
- Received high praise from teammates and opponents for his strength, explosiveness, and outstanding performance.
- Scored his seventh goal of the tournament in Brazil's 4–1 victory over Italy in the final.
- Despite his impressive goal tally, Gerd Müller of Germany won the Golden Boot with ten goals.
- Jairzinho claimed to have received a "best body on the planet" prize, but FIFA has no record of this award.
1974 FIFA World Cup:
- Scored two goals in the 1974 FIFA World Cup, his last World Cup for Brazil.
- His final match for Brazil was in the third-place final in 1974.
- Received a one-off farewell cap against Czechoslovakia on March 3, 1982, in a game that ended in a 1–1 draw.
- Ended his international career with 33 goals in 81 games.
Jairzinho's international career was marked by his exceptional performances, particularly in the 1970 World Cup, where he left an indelible mark on football history.
References;
- "Jair Ventura Filho 'Jairzinho' – Goals in International Matches". RSSSF. Archived from the original on July 10, 2022. Retrieved May 6, 2007.
- "Jair Ventura Filho". cruzeiropedia.org. Archived from the original on January 17, 2021. Retrieved November 18, 2020.
- "jairzinho". docs.ufpr.br (in Portuguese). Archived from the original on August 12, 2018. Retrieved November 18, 2020.
- "Jairzinho - Profile". Archived from the original on June 26, 2021. Retrieved March 13, 2021.
- "Jairzinho". worldfootball.net. Archived from the original on August 2, 2020. Retrieved April 22, 2020.
- "Jairzinho Reacts to Futbin Comments!". YouTube. Archived from the original on January 6, 2023. Retrieved January 6, 2023.
- "Jairzinho". sportskeeda. Archived from the original on July 20, 2020. Retrieved July 19, 2020.
- "Jairzinho – Legends of the Football World Cup". World-cup-betting-2006.com. December 25, 1944. Archived from the original on August 15, 2009. Retrieved May 15, 2010.
- "The Hurricane that never blew out". FIFA.com. Archived from the original on March 5, 2016. Retrieved November 2, 2015.
- "Pelé and the 20 greatest Brazilian footballers of all time". bleacherreport.com. Archived from the original on December 5, 2020. Retrieved November 14, 2020.
- "idolo jairzinho". botafogo.com.br (in Portuguese). Archived from the original on February 26, 2021. Retrieved November 17, 2020.
- "jairzinho o rei do rio parte". tvbrasil.ebc.com.br (in Portuguese). April 13, 2020. Archived from the original on September 27, 2020. Retrieved November 17, 2020.