Marinho: Things to know about Copa Libertadores player of the tournament

It's not often that a Brazilian superstar slips through our net, but precious few of us on European shores would have known too much about Santos talisman Marinho, prior to their incredible run to the Copa Libertadores final.

The Brazilian giants enjoyed some huge wins on their way to the big finale on Saturday evening, hammering Gremio and battering Boca Juniors 3-0 in the semi-final. At the heart of that hot streak was a 30-year-old winger called Marinho, who only joined the Alvinegro in 2019, after a less than successful spell with Gremio.

Ultimately, this dramatic run to the final ended in heartbreak, as Palmeiras lifted the trophy on Saturday, thanks to Breno Lopes' stunning 99th minute header, destroying Santos' ambitions in the cruelest manner imaginable.

But Marinho was still awarded the Copa Libertadores' 'Best of the tournament' prize, following his mesmerising performances in the buildup to the final. So, who is this belated wonderkid? 90min gives you the lowdown on the key things to know about this majestic, left-footed beauty.

1. The only winner in 2020

2020 was a pretty rubbish year for everyone - but not if your name is Marinho. The winger has stood out as the best player in South America this year, and his unstoppable form carried Santos to the Copa Libertadores final.

Marinho scored 22 goals in 38 games over the course of 2020 for Santos, providing seven assists along the way. His blistering speed across the ground and willingness to shoot from anywhere has destroyed defenders and goalkeepers alike, and his left foot will go down in Santos history.

He hasn't always been a star of the Brazilian game, though...

2. Unorthodox road to the top

It's been a long, hard road to the top for our new superstar. He first joined the Santos youth team as a 17-year-old, filled with hopes and dreams of becoming a hero in the black and white.

Unfortunately, it wasn't to be - for the time being, at least. He had to drop down to Serie B and Serie C in order to find his feet in football, and after excelling with Vitoria in 2016, subsequent moves to China and Gremio left his career on the cusp of collapse yet again.

However, a surprise return to Santos breathed life in 2019, and he hasn't looked back since that moment. The only thing missing from this fairytale is the Copa Libertadores trophy.

3. Di Marinho

Marinho's unforgettable rise to the top of South American football has seen him honoured with a pretty catchy moniker, too. Di Marinho. That's right, his similarities to Paris Saint-Germain superstar Angel Di Maria mean that he was christened in the Argentine's honour by Vitoria fans. Does he like the comparisons, though?

"I really like it," he explained in an interview with FIFA. "It was a nickname that came from the Vitoria supporters, when I was there in 2016, because we had, more or less, similar playing styles.

"It’s a really affectionate nickname. I have a lot of admiration for Di Maria, so the nickname is really cool." That's that, then.

4. Strong supporters

Marinho is also following in the footsteps of some serious football legends. Two of Brazil's greatest ever footballers, Pele and Neymar, are both Santos heroes, and the duo spoke personally to our new star, wishing him well before the big final against Palmeiras. It's safe to say, he's living the dream.

"It was really cool when he made a video call and asked to speak to me," Marinho explained about Neymar. He always treats me really well. I have great admiration for him. Receiving support from a player like Neymar and the king of football, Pele, is something that gives us a lot of motivation.

"Pele made history, Neymar is making history. To have them both watching us, sending their support makes us really happy."

5. On the verge of fulfilling childhood dreams

It's every Brazilian child's dream to pull on the famous yellow of their country, and represent them on the football field. For Marinho, that dream fell further and further from reality as his career nosedived, but after a superb 12 months with Santos, Brazil coach Tite is considering handing a call-up to the 30-year-old.

"To hear the Seleção coach say your name makes you really happy," Marinho beamed.

"If I get called up by the Seleção it’s down to my work at Santos. Wearing my country’s shirt would be something incredible, the realisation of a childhood dream." Come on Tite, do the right thing and make him a global star.

6. Evidently not superstitious

There's an unwritten rule in the world of football, that no matter how much you want to, you should never, ever, touch the trophy upon entering the pitch in a final. Marinho broke that law on Saturday evening, and paid the ultimate price.

Santos lost the Copa Libertadores final in the cruelest of fashions, conceding a 99th goal to Palmeiras, leaving Marinho heartbroken at the final whistle.

If you touch the trophy, you must face the consequences.