Coutinho

A brilliant inside forward and Pelé’s most natural attacking partner at Santos, Coutinho was far more than a fortunate passenger in a legendary team. Small, clever and technically exquisite, he played with sharp combinations, sudden turns and a lethal instinct around the box, forming with Pelé one of the most devastating partnerships in South American football. His game mixed creativity and finishing: he could act as a second striker, combine in tight spaces, release teammates and still arrive with the cruelty of a pure goalscorer. Injuries and the enormous shadow of Pelé limited his wider global fame, which is frankly a bit rude from history. But at Santos, his class was undeniable. A subtle genius of movement, touch and penalty-area intelligence.