Mural of soccer legend Didi, Rio de Janeiro

A mural close to the legendary Maracanã soccer stadium depicts some of Brazil's most illustrious football legends, such as Didi, Pele, Zico, Garrincha, and others icons. Waldir Pereira, better known as "Didi", who died of pneumonia at the age of 72 (2001), was one of the finest and most influential Brazilian footballers. He represented his country in three World Cups, two of which they won, and survived the humiliation of a season at Real Madrid immediately after he had played so large a part in Brazil's first ever victory, in the 1958 World Cup. Altogether, he played 72 times for Brazil, scoring 24 goals. Didi was born into an impoverished family in the city of Campos. "As a kid," he once said, "I had to work as a peanut seller to help my parents." As with so many Brazilian football stars, the game was his way out, and he never concealed his determination to make as much money as possible. "A man can speak lightly of poverty only if he has never experienced its terrors," he said. Rio de Janeiro. (Photo by Christopher Pillitz/Getty Images)