Too young to feature in the 1978 World Cup and too injured to feature in the 1986 World Cup, Eder’s moment of stardom came in the 1982 World Cup in Spain. Playing wide on the left of Brazil’s superb midfield, Eder was the epitome of flamboyance, using both sides of his magical left foot to spray passes across the field. 
He scored some of the World Cup’s most memorable goals, too. In their opening match of Espana 82, Eder scored a brilliant winner against the Soviet Union, flicking the ball up and volleying past a stunned goalkeeper from all of 25 yards. He followed that up with a sublime chip against Scotland in the following game. But the one moment that showcased Eder’s skills took place in the second phase match against Argentina.
Brazil were awarded a free kick 35-40 yards out and the usual set-piece master, Zico, walked away from it, leaving Eder to try his luck. Eder took a 20 yard run-up and smashed a vicious swerving, dipping free kick around the wall, past keeper Fillol and off the underside of the crossbar, leaving Zico to bury the rebound. It was an astonishing free kick, matched only by Roberto Carlos’ effort against France 16 years later.
Eder’s flamboyance, audacity and skill made him one of the world’s best ever wingers – and cemented his place in our top 50.