Who Is Garrincha’s Girlfriend? Where Is She Now?

Garrincha was one of the most iconic soccer players in Brazilian history, as his name literally translates to “small bird” in Portuguese. 

Well-known for his prowess on the field, Garrincha also had a much-publicized relationship with singer Elza Soares. 

Despite being married at the time, Garrincha and Soares were together for 16 years, eventually having nine children. Unfortunately, their marriage ended in divorce 1982. 

Regardless of the circumstances, Garrincha will forever be remembered as one of the greatest footballers ever to live, as evidenced by his unforgettable performances with Brazil’s national team as a right winger and undisputed king of dribbling.

Pele, the iconic Brazilian football player, has cemented his place in history as one of the greatest athletes ever to play the game. He was an integral part of the Brazilian teams that won the World Cup in 1958 and 1962, becoming part of two great accomplishments in footballing history. 

In 1962 he also made history by becoming the first player to win all three major awards during a World Cup competition – the World Cup, Golden Boot, and Player of the Tournament awards. 

That same year he was also named to FIFA’s World Cup All-Star team and in later years was lauded again with a spot on FIFA’s World Cup All-Time Team. 

These accomplishments marked important milestones in Brazil’s footballing heritage, with Pele paving the way for future generations of players to rise up and etch their name into the record books.

About Elza Soares

Elza Soares, born Elza Gomes da Conceiço on June 23, 1930 in Padre Miguel, Rio de Janeiro, was an influential Brazilian samba singer. Her mother worked as a washerwoman and her father was a factory worker and guitarist. 

Growing up in the favela of Moça Bonita in Padre Miguel and living in poverty did not stop Soares from having a joyful childhood spent running around the street outside and playing games such as spinning wooden tops and flying kites with her friends. 

Soares would later take the stage name of Elza Soares as she pursued music professionally. 

In 1999, BBC Radio awarded both Elza Soares and Tina Turner with the title of Singer of the Millennium, cementing their place in music history.

Elza Soares is considered a herald of the soulful and bold, bossa nova style of jazz in Brazil. 

Her breakout debut single, “Se Acaso Você Chegasse,” became an instant success due to her unique approach of combining jazz and samba while using scat singing techniques inspired by Louis Armstrong. 

In an interview later on, Elza noted that she was not aware of American music at the time she produced the song. 

The distinctive and husky quality of her voice immediately set her apart from other singers and caught the attention of audiences around the world. 

Thanks to her awe-inspiring musical performance for the 1962 FIFA World Cup in Chile, Elza had a chance to meet Armstrong and share an unforgettable moment with him.

Garrincha and Elza’s relationship

Elza Soares’ unconventional romance with legendary Brazilian football player Garrincha made her persona non grata in Brazilian society in the 1970s. 

This caused her much anguish; she received death threats, had eggs and tomatoes thrown at her home, and was shouted at as she walked down the street. Her suffering only deepened when tragedy struck on April 13, 1969, when her mother was killed in a traffic accident caused by Garrincha’s drunk driving. 

Both Sara, Garrincha’s daughter, and Elza suffered serious injuries in the crash – though these painful memories did not stop them from staying married for sixteen more years (1968-1982).

In 1976, the couple gave birth to a boy, who was given the nickname Garrincha Jr. and officially named Manuel Francisco dos Santos in honour of his father. 

Although they divorced before the child’s birth, Soares was deeply saddened when Garrincha passed from cirrhosis in 1983. 

Later on, Garrincha reignited a romantic relationship and married his third spouse, though her identity remains a mystery as no sources have mentioned her name publicly. Garrincha spent 13 years with his first wife, Nair Marques, before separating in 1965 due to their incompatibility.

Garrincha Death

Garrincha was a renowned Brazilian footballer known for his impressive, unique skills on the pitch during his 11-year international career. 

He boasts an impressive legacy from winning two FIFA World Cups with the Selecao and recognition from Pele and other legends as one of Brazil’s greatest footballers of all time. 

Tragically, Garrincha passed away in 1983 from liver cirrhosis at the age of 49. His daughter Rosangela Santos has expressed her distress over being unable to locate her father’s grave site due to its lack of formal registration, saying,

“This is not what my father deserved. Not being able to locate him is incredibly disturbing. They must first locate him because the mayor has promised him a tomb.”

Fortunately, while it took some time and effort, Garrincha was finally laid to rest in a cemetery in Mage, Rio de Janeiro – the very same neighborhood he had been born in.