Goalkeeper's Day: why is it celebrated on April 26?
Goalkeeper’s Day, celebrated on April 26, honors one of the greatest names in Brazilian football for that position: Aílton Corrêa Arruda, the legendary Manga.
Who was goalkeeper Manga?
Born on Today, 1937
Considered one of the greatest goalkeepers in Brazilian history
Played for major clubs such as:
Sport Club do Recife
Botafogo de Futebol e Regatas
Grêmio Foot-Ball Porto Alegrense
Coritiba Foot Ball Club
Also represented the Brazil national football team in friendlies and World Cups
👉 His skill, reflexes, and leadership made him a defining figure in football.
How did Goalkeeper’s Day start?
The date was created in 1975 by professionals from the Escola de Educação Física do Exército:
Raul Carlesso (fitness coach)
Reginaldo Pontes Bielinski (captain)
💡 The goal was to highlight the position and recognize the importance of goalkeepers in football.
Interesting fact
Raul Carlesso was a pioneer in Brazil in developing specific training for goalkeepers, especially during the national team’s preparation for the 1974 FIFA World Cup.
Did you know?








