Gylmar Brazilian footballer, goalkeeper Date of Birth: 22.08.1930 Country: Brazil

1. Biography of Gylmar dos Santos Neves
2. Early Life and Career
3. Success with Santos
4. International Career
5. Legacy and Passing

Biography of Gylmar dos Santos Neves

Gylmar dos Santos Neves, born on August 22, 1930, was a Brazilian football player and goalkeeper. He was known for his incredible composure on the field and his joyful and peaceful nature. Gylmar was often referred to as "Pele's goalkeeper" due to his time spent as the main goalkeeper for Santos and the Brazilian national team.

Early Life and Career

Gylmar was born in Santos, São Paulo. According to the book "Futebol: The Brazilian Way of Life" by Alex Bellos, he was named after his parents, Gilberto and Maria. He started playing football for the local club Jabaquara and in 1951, he joined Corinthians. With Corinthians, Gylmar became a three-time state champion in 1951, 1952, and 1954.

Success with Santos

In 1961, Gylmar transferred to Santos, a team considered one of the best in the history of world sports and perhaps the best of its time. He played alongside stars such as Pele, Pepe, Zito, Mengálvio, Lima, and Coutinho. With Santos, Gylmar won almost every championship he participated in. Santos won the São Paulo State Championships five times (in 1962, 1964, 1965, 1967, and 1968), the National Championships five times (in 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, and 1965), the Libertadores Cups twice (in 1962 and 1963), and the Intercontinental Cups twice.

International Career

Gylmar represented the Brazilian national team and played a total of 94 matches. He was selected to participate in three consecutive World Cups. In 1958 and 1962, Gylmar was part of the starting lineup, becoming the only goalkeeper in the world to win two consecutive World Cups as a starter.

Legacy and Passing

Gylmar dos Santos Neves passed away on August 25, 2013, in a hospital in São Paulo. He was admitted to the hospital after suffering a heart attack. Just three days after his 83rd birthday, the "Pele's goalkeeper" left the world. Gylmar will always be remembered as one of the best Brazilian goalkeepers of the 20th century and one of the greatest goalkeepers in the world.