Botafogo de Futebol e Regatas is one of Brazil’s most traditional clubs, known for revealing and harboring great talents in world soccer. Among these talents, the right-wingers have always stood out, providing unforgettable moments for the fans. In this article, we explore the seven best right-wingers in Botafogo’s history, detailing their careers, titles, memorable moments and curiosities. Let’s find out more about these icons of Botafogo soccer.
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The best right-wingers in Botafogo’s history: a glimpse of their careers with the club
1. Garrincha
Manoel Francisco dos Santos, better known as Garrincha, was born on October 28, 1933 in Pau Grande, Rio de Janeiro. Considered one of the greatest dribblers in the history of world soccer, Garrincha charmed the world with his skill and irreverence on the pitch.
He made 614 appearances for Botafogo and scored 245 goals.
Titles for Botafogo
- Rio-São Paulo Tournament: 1962 and 1964
- Rio-São Paulo State Champions Cup: 1961
- Carioca Championship: 1957, 1961 and 1962
- Carioca Early Championship Tournament: 1961, 1962 and 1963
Garrincha was a key figure in Botafogo’s achievements, especially in the Carioca Championship and the Rio-São Paulo Tournament. His dribbling skills and ability to decide games made him one of the best right-wingers in Botafogo’s history and an eternal icon of the club and Brazil.
Curiosities
- Garrincha was nicknamed “The Angel with the Crooked Legs” because of his bowed legs.
- He was instrumental in the 1958 and 1962 World Cups, helping Brazil to win the titles.
To learn more about the athlete and his talent, check out the video below, with 30 dribbles that enchanted the world and made Garrincha one of the best of all time.
2. Jair Ventura Filho (Jairzinho)
Jair Ventura Filho, known as Jairzinho, was born on December 25, 1944 in Rio de Janeiro. He stood out for his speed, strength and ability to score decisive goals, especially at the 1970 World Cup.
Titles for Botafogo
- Carioca Championship: 1967 and 1968
- Brazilian Championship: 1968
- Rio-São Paulo Tournament: 1964 and 1966
- Guanabara Cup: 1967 and 1968
- Golden Jubilee Tournament: 1964
- Buenos Aires Quadrangular Tournament: 1964[10]
- Suriname Quadrangular Tournament: 1964
- Círculo de Periódicos Esportivos Cup: 1966
- Buenos Aires Carranza Cup: 1966
- Mexico Hexagonal Tournament: 1968
Jairzinho was one of the team’s protagonists in the 60s and 70s, helping the team win the Campeonato Brasileiroand establishing himself as one of the club’s greatest names and one of the best right-wingers in Botafogo’s history.
His performance at the 1970 World Cup, where he scored in every game, is one of the most memorable in soccer history.
Curiosities
- He is one of the few players to have scored in every World Cup match.
- After retiring, Jairzinho pursued a career as a coach and sports commentator.
3. Maurício de Oliveira Anastácio
Maurício de Oliveira Anastácio, better known as Maurício, was born on March 20, 1962 in Rio de Janeiro. He is remembered for the historic goal that gave Botafogo the Carioca Championship title in 1989, ending a 21-year trophyless streak.
Titles for Botafogo
- Carioca Championship: 1989
- Rio Cup – 1989
- Palma de Mallorca City Trophy – 1988
- Costa Rica Pentagonal Tournament – 1986
Maurício’s goal in the final of the 1989 Campeonato Carioca against Flamengo is one of the most iconic moments in Botafogo’s history. It is still remembered today by the fans, helping to place the player’s name among the best right-wingers in Botafogo’s history.
Curiosities
- He became known as “Mauricio 89” because of his historic goal.
- He had spells at other clubs, but his most memorable moment was at Botafogo.
Read also: Best left-backs in Botafogo’s history: the alvinegro’s attacking stars
4. Helinho
Hélio de Assis, known as Helinho, was born on June 14, 1958 in Rio de Janeiro. He was famous for his dribbling skills and speed, becoming one of the most skillful players of his time.
Titles for Botafogo
- Carioca Championship: 1989
Helinho was an important part of the 1989 Campeonato Carioca title campaign, contributing with his technical ability and speed in attack.
Curiosities
- Helinho also had spells at other Brazilian clubs, but his biggest highlight was at the Alvinegro, where he established himself as one of the best right-wingers in Botafogo’s history.
Read Also: 9 best midfielders in Botafogo’s history: careers and titles for Estrela Solitária
5. Rogério Hetmanek
Rogério Hetmanek, known simply as Rogério, was born on August 6, 1966 in Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul. He stood out for his skill and precision with his crosses, as well as his ability to finish plays.
Titles for Botafogo
- Brazilian Championship: 1968
- Carioca Championship: 1967 and 1968
- Guanabara Cup: 1967, 1968
Rogério was instrumental in winning the 1968 Brazilian Championship, being one of the team’s main players with his assists and decisive goals.
Curiosities
- Rogério also played for other major Brazilian clubs, including Grêmio and Internacional.
- He is remembered for his technical and elegant style on the pitch.
6. Leônidas da Silva
Leônidas da Silva, known as the “Black Diamond”, was born on September 6, 1913 in Rio de Janeiro. He is famous for his acrobatics on the pitch, including the invention of the “bicycle goal”, and is considered one of the most important strikers in Brazilian soccer in the first half of the 20th century.
Titles for Botafogo
- Carioca Championship: 1935
Leônidas had a remarkable spell with Botafogo, helping them win the 1935 Carioca Championship with his attacking skills and creativity on the pitch.
For the Brazilian national team, he won the Golden Boot at the FIFA World Cup in 1938 and was voted the best player at the FIFA World Cup that same year, so he can’t be left out of a list of the best right-wingers in Botafogo’s history.
Curiosities
- Leonidas is widely regarded as one of the greatest Brazilian players of all time.
- He also had a successful career at clubs such as Flamengo and São Paulo, as well as shining for the Brazilian national team.
7. Luiz Henrique
Luiz Henrique has been part of Botafogo’s current squad for the Campeonato Brasileiros in recent years.
He was the second biggest signing in the history of Brazilian soccer in nominal terms and the sixth in inflation-adjusted terms.
Titles for Botafogo
- Rio Cup: 2024
He’s one of the most important names in Botafogo’s current squad and is a hope for the fans. That’s why he’s on the list of the best right-wingers in Botafogo’s history.
The best right-wingers in Botafogo’s history are true legends, each with their own story of success and achievement.
These players have not only left an indelible mark on the club, but also on Brazilian and world soccer.
List of the 7 best right-wingers in Botafogo’s history
The list of the best right-wingers in Botafogo’s history includes:
- Garrincha
- Jair Ventura Filho (Jairzinho)
- Maurício de Oliveira Anastácio
- Helinho
- Rogério Hetmanek
- Leonidas da Silva
- Luiz Henrique
This article celebrates the contribution of these great players, highlighting their careers, titles and defining moments, consolidating them as the best right-backs in Botafogo’s history.
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