Ginga - The Soul of Brasilian Football

Ginga (pronounced jeen-gah) is to Brazilian football what soul is to r&b, swing is to jazz and rhubarb is to custard – vital, integral and essential. The origins of it lie in the cultural fusion found in Brazil and the osmotic manner in which it has evolved. Here you see the influence of capoeira (an African martial art, somewhat like a synthesis of t’ai chi and ballet) blended with samba steps and their accompanying drum beat. How does this affect the football? Well, as Robinho remarks: “Strength doesn’t beat wits.” The wits in question are fired by ginga and there is no ginga without movement, rhythm and joy. As one contributor says, “Everyone has their own ginga.” 2005