# Jair da Costa > Brazilian footballer (1940–2025) **Wikidata**: [Q720549](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q720549) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jair_da_Costa) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/jair-da-costa ## Summary Jair da Costa was a Brazilian footballer who played as a forward from 1961 to 1974. He is best known for his time with Inter Milan, where he won four Serie A titles and two European Cups, and for representing Brazil in the 1962 FIFA World Cup. ## Biography - Born: July 9, 1940 - Nationality: Brazilian - Education: Not specified in source material - Known for: Professional football career, particularly with Inter Milan and the Brazilian national team - Employer(s): Santos FC, Inter Milan, Roma, Santos (second spell), Varzim, Coritiba, Londrina, Ponte Preta - Field(s): Professional football (soccer) ## Contributions Jair da Costa made significant contributions to football during his professional career spanning from 1961 to 1974. He played a crucial role in Inter Milan's success during the 1960s, helping the team win four Serie A titles (1963, 1965, 1966, 1971) and two European Cups (1964, 1965). He represented Brazil in the 1962 FIFA World Cup, contributing to the team's victory in Chile. Throughout his career, he played for multiple clubs across Brazil, Italy, Portugal, and Argentina, demonstrating his adaptability and skill across different football cultures and leagues. ## FAQs Where did Jair da Costa play professionally? Jair da Costa played for Santos FC, Inter Milan, Roma, Varzim, Coritiba, Londrina, and Ponte Preta during his professional career from 1961 to 1974. What were Jair da Costa's major achievements? He won four Serie A titles and two European Cups with Inter Milan, and was part of the Brazilian team that won the 1962 FIFA World Cup. When did Jair da Costa play for the Brazilian national team? He represented Brazil in the 1962 FIFA World Cup, which Brazil won in Chile. What position did Jair da Costa play? He played as a forward throughout his professional career. ## Why They Matter Jair da Costa matters in football history as a key member of Inter Milan's dominant team of the 1960s, contributing to their European and domestic success. His participation in Brazil's 1962 World Cup victory places him among the elite group of players who have won both club and international football's highest honors. His career spanned multiple countries and leagues, showcasing the global nature of football even in that era and contributing to the internationalization of the sport. ## Notable For - Winning four Serie A titles with Inter Milan (1963, 1965, 1966, 1971) - Winning two European Cups with Inter Milan (1964, 1965) - Being part of Brazil's 1962 FIFA World Cup-winning team - Playing professionally across Brazil, Italy, Portugal, and Argentina - Contributing to Inter Milan's "Grande Inter" era under manager Helenio Herrera ## Body ### Early Career and Santos FC Jair da Costa began his professional football career with Santos FC in Brazil, where he developed his skills as a forward. Santos was already an established club with a strong reputation, having produced legendary players like Pelé. His time at Santos provided the foundation for his technical abilities and tactical understanding that would serve him well in his subsequent career in Europe. ### Inter Milan Years (1962-1969) In 1962, Jair da Costa joined Inter Milan, becoming part of the legendary "Grande Inter" team managed by Helenio Herrera. During his time at Inter, he formed part of one of the most successful club sides in European football history. The team was known for its "catenaccio" defensive system, which was revolutionary for its time. At Inter Milan, da Costa won four Serie A titles (1963, 1965, 1966, 1971) and two European Cups (1964, 1965). His contributions to these victories came through his attacking prowess, technical skill, and ability to perform in high-pressure European matches. The European Cup victories in 1964 and 1965 were particularly significant as they established Inter as one of Europe's premier clubs. ### International Career and 1962 World Cup Jair da Costa represented Brazil in the 1962 FIFA World Cup held in Chile. This tournament came two years after Brazil's first World Cup victory in 1958, and the team successfully defended their title. The Brazilian squad featured legendary players including Garrincha, Vavá, and Amarildo, with Pelé missing most of the tournament due to injury. Da Costa's participation in this victorious campaign places him among the select group of players who have won the World Cup. ### Later Career and International Experience After his successful spell at Inter Milan, da Costa's career took him to various clubs across different countries. He played for Roma in Italy, gaining experience in another major European league. He then moved to Portugal to play for Varzim, demonstrating his adaptability to different football cultures and playing styles. His career also included spells with Brazilian clubs Coritiba, Londrina, and Ponte Preta, showing his continued connection to Brazilian football. He also had a brief period playing in Argentina, further expanding his international experience. ### Playing Style and Legacy As a forward, Jair da Costa was known for his technical skills, pace, and ability to score crucial goals. His time at Inter Milan, particularly during their European Cup victories, demonstrated his capability to perform at the highest level of club football. His participation in Brazil's 1962 World Cup victory cemented his status as a successful international player. ### Career Statistics and Impact Throughout his career from 1961 to 1974, da Costa played across multiple top leagues and competitions. His success with Inter Milan in both Serie A and the European Cup represents the pinnacle of club football achievement during that era. The fact that he played professionally until 1974, spanning over a decade at the highest level, demonstrates his longevity and consistent performance. ### Historical Context Jair da Costa's career coincided with a golden era in Brazilian football, with Brazil winning World Cups in 1958, 1962, and 1970. His participation in the 1962 victory places him in this lineage of Brazilian football excellence. At the club level, his time at Inter Milan coincided with one of the most successful periods in the club's history, contributing to their reputation as one of Europe's elite teams. ### Post-Playing Career The source material does not provide information about Jair da Costa's activities after his playing career ended in 1974. However, his legacy as a successful player for both club and country has ensured his place in football history, particularly regarding Inter Milan's European successes and Brazil's continued dominance in international football during the 1960s. ## References 1. [Jair da Costa. National-Football-Teams.com](https://www.national-football-teams.com/player/19197.html) 2. [Morre Jair da Costa, campeão da Copa de 1962 pelo Brasil e ídolo da Inter de Milão. 2025](https://oglobo.globo.com/google/amp/esportes/noticia/2025/04/26/morre-jair-da-costa-campeao-da-copa-de-1962-pelo-brasil-e-idolo-da-inter-de-milao.ghtml) 3. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 4. UEFA.com