Photographer Michael Donald captures Brazilian legend Jairzinho despite threats in Rio favela
Michael Donald's quest to photograph every living World Cup final goalscorer led him to a Rio favela, where a local pulled a gun on his crew while he shot the portrait of Jairzinho.
British photographer Michael Donald launched an ambitious project in 2007: to photograph every living footballer who had scored in a World Cup final. At the time, only 58 players had achieved that feat, and 34 were still alive. To fund trips to 13 countries, he pitched a film producer who provided a documentary crew.
One key subject was Brazilian Jair Ventura Filho, known as Jairzinho, who scored Brazil's third goal in the 1970 final against Italy. Today, he works with underprivileged children in Rio's favelas, including the Manguinhos neighbourhood, where he runs a football school.
The shoot took place at a public football pitch. Donald spotted an old foosball table outside a bar and asked for ten more minutes. As he set up the shot with an assistant holding a small light, the rest of the crew noticed a man approaching on a bicycle. He drew a gun on the director and producer. The local drug lords hired as security had already left. Though Donald and Jairzinho remained focused, the crew urged a quick exit.
Fortunately, Donald got the desired frame before leaving. He notes the image's power lies in the contrast between the calm portrait and the chaos behind the camera – a common trait in photography. He credits the crew for giving him time despite the danger.
Donald, born in Wakefield in 1966 but identifying as Belfast, advises aspiring photographers to pursue personal projects that excite them, as that improves all other work.
