Cafu (Márcio dos Santos): The Winged Wonder of Football
Biography of Cafu: The Eternal Captain
From the Favelas to Football Immortality
Born Márcio dos Santos on June 7, 1970, in São Paulo's impoverished Jardim Irene, Cafu rose from barefoot street games to becoming Brazil's most-capped player and the only man to appear in three World Cup finals.
The Relentless Right-Back
- 1994: First World Cup win—initially a reserve, his tireless runs earned him the starting spot.
- 2002: Lifted the trophy as captain, embodying "Jogo Bonito" with overlapping sprints that defied his 32 years.
- AC Milan: At 37, outran players a decade younger in the 2007 Champions League final.
The Unbreakable Spirit
"He played like his shoes were on fire," recalled Roberto Carlos, his rival-turned-ally in Brazil's flamboyant backline.
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 1988 | Debut for São Paulo, washing cars to afford boots |
| 2002 | Scored vs. Costa Rica—his only World Cup goal—with a striker's finish |
| 2012 | Retired, having run the equivalent of 10 marathons per season |
Legacy: More Than a Number
His iconic #2 jersey symbolizes resilience—a kid who escaped gang violence to redefine full-back play. Pele dubbed him "the pendulum" for his endless shuttles. Today, his 142 caps remain a Brazilian record, while his grin mid-sprint endures as football's purest joy.
Final whistle: Cafu didn't just cross balls—he crossed eras.