Seven from Santos in Brazil’s 1962 World Cup win | OneFootball

Brazil’s 1962 World Cup win featured a record contingent from Santos, with seven players in the champions’ squad.

According to Diario Do Peixe, the club’s post-1958 global tours funded further strengthening, adding world champions Gylmar and Mauro, signing Mengálvio, and promoting Coutinho alongside Pelé, Zito and Pepe.

Laércio and Calvet trained among the 40 preliminary picks for Chile. Laércio, once Santos’ undisputed number one before Gylmar arrived, lost out to Castilho. Coach Aymoré Moreira also omitted Calvet as the Brazil squad already contained many from Santos.

Misfortune struck before the tournament. Coutinho and Pepe, registered with shirts 9 and 11, suffered serious injuries and were ruled out, ending hopes of seeing the famed Santos trio together in Chile.

Brazil opened by beating Mexico 2-0, a performance that featured a stunning goal. In the next match against Czechoslovakia, Pelé was badly injured and missed the rest of the competition. Amarildo stepped in impressively and Garrincha produced unforgettable displays to carry the side through its hardest moments.

The team grew into the tournament and beat Czechoslovakia in the final. Gylmar was commanding in goal, while captain Mauro led with trademark poise and class.

Above all, Zito embodied Santos’ influence. Mirroring his club form, he balanced midfield, breaking up play, organising and joining attacks when required. He scored the goal that steadied Brazil in the final, starting the turnaround that sealed back-to-back world titles, and was later named by FIFA in the tournament’s best XI.

Source: Diario Do Peixe