April 28 – Brazilian forward and World Cup winner Jair da Costa has died at the age of 84.
The Confederation of Brazilian Football, Portuguesa and Inter Milan confirmed his passing but provided no further details. Jair da Costa was a Brazil international and InterMilan star, who triumphed in the club’s first two European Cups in the 60’s.
“Jair has passed away. A right winger with phenomenal dribbling, he won everything with the Grande Inter,” Inter Milan said in a statement. The Italian club said he’d have “a place in the eternity of a legendary team.”
A Paulista, Da Costa rose to prominence at Portuguesa in Sao Paulo to then make his name in Italy. At the time, it was rare for Brazilians to ply their trade at broad, despite the wealth of players that originated in the country during the era of Pelé and Garrincha.
At the 1962 World Cup, Da Costa spent the tournament as a substitute for Garrincha, who stepped up after Pelé was injured.
Brazil defended their World Cup title after claiming their first victory in 1958 in Sweden. Da Costa did not make the Brazilian squad for the 1966 World Cup as preparations for the tournament became chaotic. He was a part of the squad in the latter stages of a prolonged preparation, but ultimately he was axed before Brazil exited the global finals
At club level, Da Costa also played for Roma before wrapping up his career at Santos and Windsor Star in Canada in 1976.
In a statement, Portuguesa wrote: “Portuguesa deeply mourns the passing of former striker Jair da Costa, one of the legends of our club. Jair was discovered at Lusa and defended the red-green jersey between 1960 and 1962, the year in which he was world champion with the Brazilian National Team. Jair da Costa was also one of the first Brazilians to play in Europe, wearing the colours of Inter Milan and Roma. He also played for Santos and Windsor Stars, from Canindé. Our condolences to his family and friends.”
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