Jair da Costa, a legendary player from Helenio Herrera’s Grande Inter era and a World Cup champion with Brazil, has passed away at the age of 84.

The Brazilian winger was a crucial member of the Nerazzurri team that clinched two European Cup titles in 1964 and 1965. His impressive career at Inter included four Serie A championships and two Intercontinental Cup victories. Notably, he was part of the squad that narrowly lost the only Serie A Scudetto play-off in 1964 to Bologna.

On the international stage, Jair contributed to Brazil’s World Cup triumph in 1962, further cementing his status as a football icon.

Jair’s Indelible Mark on Inter

Jair’s legacy is deeply intertwined with Inter Milan. Throughout his tenure, he amassed an impressive 263 appearances across all competitions, netting 70 goals and providing 4 assists. His impact on the club was profound and lasting.

While his time at Roma was brief, with 2 goals in 26 matches, it was at Inter where Jair truly shone. He graced Italian football from 1962 to 1972 before returning to Brazil to play for Santos. Jair concluded his illustrious playing career in Canada with Windsor City in 1976.

Jair da Costa’s passing marks the end of an era, but his contributions to football, particularly at Inter Milan, will be remembered for generations to come.