Maneca

Manuel Marinho Alves, better known as Maneca (January 28, 1926 – July 14, 1961) was an association footballer who played as a striker. He was born in Salvador Bahia, Brazil. He played as a striker, more specifically as a winger. He was known for his versatility, which allowed him to play on both sides of the court without any problems, although he usually played as a right winger. Commonly considered as one of the best wingers of all time.

Maneca

Maneca in 1950
Personal information
Full name	Manuel Marinho Alves
Date of birth	(1926-01-28)January 28, 1926
Place of birth	Brazil
Date of death	July 14, 1961(1961-07-14) (aged 35)
Position(s)	Forward
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps	(Gls)
1943–1945	Galícia	56	(20)
1945–1946	Vitória	33	(16)
1946–1955	Vasco da Gama	325	(142)
1955–1956	Bangu	59	(23)
1956–1957	Vitória	51	(19)
1957	Galícia	19	(10)
Total		543	(230)
National team
1949–1950	Brazil	6	(2)
Honours Representing Brazil South American Championship Winner 1949 Brazil FIFA World Cup Runner-up 1950 Brazil
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only

Alves died at the age of 35 from cyanide poisoning.

Club career

Maneca began his career with Galícia from his hometown of Salvador, with whom he became state champion in 1943. In 1946, after a spell at city rival Vitória, he went to the then Brazilian capital Rio de Janeiro to play for Vasco da Gama. He became state champion four times and also won the Campeonato Sudamericano de Campeones, a predecessor of the Copa Libertadores, in 1948.

International career

In 1949, he was called up to the national team for the first time and was in the squad for the South American Championship, but did not play. At the 1950 World Cup in his home country, he played 4 matches and scored one of the goals in the 7–1 win against Sweden.

Honours

Galicia

• Bahia State League: 1943

Vasco da Gama

• Rivadavia International Cup: 1953
• South American Championship of Champion Clubs: 1948
• Campeonato Carioca: 1947, 1949, 1950, 1952
• Rio de Janeiro Municipal Football Tournament: 1946, 1947
• Portuguese Centenary Cup: 1947
• Lightning Tournament: 1946
• Rio de Janeiro Home Tournament: 1948
• Gerson dos Santos Coelho Tournament: 1948
• Fiftieth Anniversary Trophy of Racing: 1953
• Rio de Janeiro International Quadrangular: 1953
• Chilean International Tournament: 1953

Bahia

• Bahia State League: 1956

Carioca national team

• Campeonato Brasileiro de Seleções: 1950

Brazil

• Oswaldo Cruz Cup: 1950
• Copa América: 1949
• Copa Rio Branco: 1950

Individual

• 10th highest scorer in the history of Vasco da Gama with 142 goals.
• 1st midfield player with the most goals in the history of Vasco da Gama with 142 goals.
• Among the greatest midfielders in the history of Club de Regatas Vasco da Gama.
• Among the best number 8 shirts in the history of Vasco da Gama.