Photo: Emilio Ronchini (Mondadori Publishers) / Public domain (source: Wikimedia Commons)
Born on October 8, 1928 in Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Didi was an association football player and association football coach. Didi died on May 12, 2001, aged 72. The listed height was 174 cm.
My Take
For any football lover, Didi is non-negotiable. Waldyr Pereira was the creative engine behind Brazil's back-to-back World Cup triumphs in 1958 and 1962, and he is widely credited with pioneering the dipping, swerving "folha seca" free kick. What I find remarkable is how much of what today's elegant midfielders do effortlessly traces back to him more than half a century ago. He played the game like an artist, his passing range and composure setting a template for the position. Didi belongs in any honest conversation about football's true innovators, and I hold his legacy in the highest regard.
1. Profile
- Name (English)
- Didi
- Name (Japanese)
- ヴァルディール・ペレイラ
- Reading
- ゔぁるでぃーる・ぺれいら
- Born
- October 8, 1928 – May 12, 2001
- Zodiac / Chinese zodiac
- Libra / Dragon
- Origin
- Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Height
- 174 cm
- Occupation
- association football player / association football coach
2. Links
3. About this entry
Tags
- Last updated
- 2026-06-21
Facts are limited to publicly available information up to 2024; non-public or unconfirmed items are omitted. English text is machine-assisted (facts translated by Sonnet, "My Take" written by Opus 4.8). The Japanese page is the source of record.
Frequently asked questions
When was Didi born?
Born October 8, 1928.
When did Didi die?
Died May 12, 2001, aged 72.
Where was Didi from?
Didi was from Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
What did Didi do?
Didi worked as association football player, association football coach.
How tall was Didi?
Didi was 174 cm.
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