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'Nílton dos Santos' (born May 16 1927) is a Brazilian former football defender. He was called ''The Encyclopedia'' because of his knowledge of the sport; was said that he had all the knowledge one could have about football. Nílton was a key player in defence during the 1954, 1958 and 1962 World Cup finals (he was also in the Brazilian squad for the 1950 finals, but made no appearances) and became famous for scoring a magnificent goal in the 1958 tournament when Brazil played Austria. Dribbling his way through the whole field, he finished with a superb shot, driving his coach Vicente Feola crazy.
Pelé named him in his "top 125 greatest living footballers" in March 2004.
Nílton Santos played for only 2 teams in his professional career; Botafogo de Futebol e Regatas and the Brazilian national team; he is regarded as one of the best left wingbacks in the history of the game.