Gérson dos Santos

Gérson dos Santos (14 July 1922 – 5 June 2002), was a Brazilian professional footballer and manager, who played as a midfielder.

Career
Gérson dos Santos began his career at Pitangui FC in Belo Horizonte. As a professional, he arrived at Palestra Itália (currently Cruzeiro EC) in 1942, where as a youth player, he was part of the three-time state champion squad in 1943–45. Still, in 1945, he was transferred to Botafogo, where he marked his time by making 371 appearances and becoming the state champion in 1948. Gérson formed the defensive system called the "maginot line" at Botafogo, alongside Oswaldo Baliza and Nilton Santos. He still returned to Cruzeiro, where he ended his career as a player.

International career
For the Brazil national team, dos Santos was part of the winning squad of the 1952 Panamerican Championship, playing one match in the campaign. In 1954 he was called up again, participating in two matches for the 1954 FIFA World Cup qualification.

Managerial career
As a coach, Gérson dos Santos began his career immediately after retiring in 1957 at Cruzeiro. He also had spells at Atlético Mineiro, Vila Nova and Remo.

Honours

 * Cruzeiro
 * Campeonato Mineiro: 1943, 1944, 1945


 * Botafogo
 * Campeonato Carioca: 1948


 * Brazil
 * Panamerican Championship: 1952