Pele’s Dead World Cup Teammate’s Bones Disappear from Grave

The remains of Garrincha, a dead teammate of Pele in the 1958 and 1962 World Cup, have mysteriously disappeared from the grave where the body was supposed to have been buried a second time. Sports Village Square gathered that the player who died in 1983, aged 49 may have been lost in an exhumation done about 10 years ago when another family member was to be buried at the same site.

The dead player’s cousin, Joao Rogoginsky reportedly told the popular Brazilian media network, O Globo that Garincha’s bones were removed to be placed in a niche. However, he said he did not attend the exhumation and “the family did not receive any documents”.

An administrator of the cemetery reportedly said: “There’s no certainty that he’s buried. We have information that the body was exhumed but there is no document that proves this.”

Local mayor Rafael Tubarao has proposed exhuming the grave again, with the family’s permission, to conduct a DNA test on what remains there are

The dead player’s daughter, Rosangela Santos reportedly remarked that the mayor of the city of Rio had promised a mausoleum for the dead player, but lamented that the bones had to be found first.

“My father did not deserve this.  It’s very upsetting not knowing where he is.”

Garrincha played 50 times for Brazil between 1955 and 1966, helping his nation to World Cup victory in 1958 and 1962, when he shared the golden boot.

An administrator of the cemetery reportedly said: “There’s no certainty that he’s buried. We have information that the body was exhumed but there is no document that proves this.”

Local mayor Rafael Tubarao has proposed exhuming the grave again, with the family’s permission, to conduct a DNA test on what remains there are.

Brazilian cemeteries are usually split into two sections – those with tombs where bodies are buried, and walls with drawer-like concrete niches where ashes or bones are stored.

There are two tombs with Garrincha’s name on them, O Globo reported. One is a plot where Garrincha was originally laid in 1983 alongside other members of his family. The second is marked with an obelisk and was built in 1985.

Garrincha, which means “little wren” in Brazilian Portuguese, was regarded by many as the greatest dribbler of all time.

But his career was blighted by drink problems and he died of cirrhosis of the liver.