The Sport Club Corinthians Paulista, founded in 1910, is one of Brazil’s most important and successful clubs. Over more than a century of history, many defenders have made their mark on the club, helping to build its rich history.
With this in mind, we’ve created a special list of the 20 best defenders in Corinthians’ history! These are players who have proudly worn the Corinthians shirt, each with their own unique and outstanding contribution.
The position of defender is one of the most crucial in any soccer team. These players are responsible for ensuring the safety of the defense, preventing opponents from reaching the goal.
At Corinthians, several defenders not only fulfilled this role with excellence, but also became fan idols due to their determination, technique and love for the club.
So get ready to meet the 20 best defenders in Corinthians history!
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The 20 best defenders in Corinthians history: complete list
- Gamarra
- Chicão
- Domingos da Guia
- Zé Maria
- Balbuena
- Cléber
- Amaral
- Ronaldo
- William Machado
- Moisés
- Gil
- Fábio Luciano
- Henrique
- Índio
- Marcelo Djian
- Marinho Peres
- Leandro Castán
- Pedro Henrique
- Batata
- Yago
The 20 best defenders in Corinthians’ history: find out more about them
1. Gamarra
- Titles: Campeonato Paulista (1999), Campeonato Brasileiro (1998, 1999)
- Team: Corinthians
- Fun facts: He was one of the few foreign defenders to make a name for himself at Corinthians.
- Life Story: Born in Paraguay, Carlos Gamarra had a solid career with both club and country.
2. Chicão
- Titles: Brazilian Championship (2011), Copa Libertadores (2012), FIFA Club World Cup (2012)
- Team: Corinthians
- Fun facts: Known for his accurate free-kicks.
- Life Story: Born in Mogi Guaçu, Chicão started out at Mogi Mirim and made history at Corinthians.
3. Domingos da Guia
- Titles: Campeonato Paulista (1937, 1938, 1939)
- Team: Corinthians
- Fun facts: Considered one of the greatest defenders of all time in Brazilian soccer.
- Life Story: From Rio de Janeiro, he played for several clubs and is the father of Palmeiras legend Ademir da Guia.
4. Zé Maria
- Titles: Campeonato Paulista (1977, 1979)
- Team: Corinthians
- Fun facts: Nicknamed “Super Zé” by the fans.
- Life Story: Began his career at Ferroviário-CE before becoming an icon at Corinthians.
5. Balbuena
- Titles: Campeonato Paulista (2017, 2018), Campeonato Brasileiro (2017)
- Team: Corinthians
- Fun facts: He also played in the Premier League for West Ham.
- Life story: A native of Paraguay, he stood out for his leadership and refined technique.
6. Cléber
- Titles: Campeonato Paulista (1995, 1997), Copa do Brasil (1995)
- Team: Corinthians
- Fun facts: Formed one of the most solid defensive duos of the 90s.
- Life Story: Born in São Paulo, Cléber was one of Corinthians’ defensive mainstays in the 90s.
7. Amaral
- Titles: Paulista Championship (1977, 1979), Brazilian Championship (1990)
- Team: Corinthians
- Fun facts: An idol for generations of fans.
- Life Story: Started his career at the club and stayed for many years, being a defensive reference.
8. Ronaldo
- Titles: Campeonato Paulista (1995), Copa do Brasil (1995)
- Team: Corinthians
- Fun facts: Part of the historic team that won the Copa do Brasil in 1995.
- Life story: From Araraquara in São Paulo, he was part of a solid and victorious defense in the 90s.
9. William Machado
- Titles: Brazilian Championship (2011), Copa Libertadores (2012)
- Team: Corinthians
- Fun facts: Captain of the unprecedented Libertadores title in 2012.
- Life Story: A native of Pelotas in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, William had impressive spells at other clubs before establishing himself at Corinthians.
10. Moisés
- Titles: Brazilian Championship (1998, 1999)
- Team: Corinthians
- Fun facts: Key to the successes of the late 90s.
- Life Story: A native of Rio de Janeiro, Moisés had a successful career, especially with Corinthians.
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11. Gil
- Titles: Campeonato Brasileiro (2015), Campeonato Paulista (2013)
- Team: Corinthians
- Fun facts: Recognized for his regularity and imposing physique.
- Life Story: Born in Campos dos Goytacazes, he made history with the Timão shirt in two spells.
12. Fábio Luciano
- Titles: Brazilian Championship (2005)
- Team: Corinthians
- Fun facts: Leader on the pitch, always with an exemplary attitude.
- Life story: From Vinhedo in São Paulo, he has also played in Europe and for other major Brazilian clubs.
13. Henrique
- Titles: Brazilian Championship (2017)
- Team: Corinthians
- Fun facts: International experience before returning to Brazil.
- Life Story: Born in Rio de Janeiro, he played in Europe before becoming a champion with Corinthians.
14. Indio
- Titles: Campeonato Paulista (1954)
- Team: Corinthians
- Fun facts: Safe and efficient defender in the 50s.
- Life story: From Rio de Janeiro, his career was marked by his defensive solidity at Timão.
15. Marcelo Djian
- Titles: Brazilian Championship (1990)
- Team: Corinthians
- Fun facts: Played a part in the club’s first Brazilian title.
- Life Story: Born in São Paulo, he had a solid and successful career at the club.
16. Marinho Peres
- Titles: Campeonato Paulista (1979)
- Team: Corinthians
- Fun facts: Technical defender with great vision.
- Life story: From Sorocaba in São Paulo, Marinho has played for several major Brazilian clubs.
17. Leandro Castán
- Titles: Brazilian Championship (2011)
- Team: Corinthians
- Fun facts: Key to the Brazilian title in 2011.
- Life story: Born in Jaú, he excelled at Corinthians before going on to a career in Europe.
18. Pedro Henrique
- Titles: Campeonato Paulista (2018)
- Team: Corinthians
- Fun facts: Revealed in the club’s youth ranks.
- Life Story: From São Paulo, Pedro Henrique started out at Corinthians and has excelled in various competitions.
19. Batata
- Titles: Campeonato Paulista (1997)
- Team: Corinthians
- Fun facts: Versatile defender with a good cutting edge.
- Life Story: Born in São Paulo, Batata had some remarkable moments in the Corinthians defense.
20. Yago
- Titles: Campeonato Paulista (2017)
- Team: Corinthians
- Fun facts: A promising youngster who had some good moments at the club.
- Life Story: Born in São Paulo, Yago was trained in the youth ranks at Corinthians.
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The 20 best defenders in Corinthians history: complete list
- Gamarra
- Chicão
- Domingos da Guia
- Zé Maria
- Balbuena
- Cléber
- Amaral
- Ronaldo
- William Machado
- Moisés
- Gil
- Fábio Luciano
- Henrique
- Índio
- Marcelo Djian
- Marinho Peres
- Leandro Castán
- Pedro Henrique
- Batata
- Yago
This is the complete list of the 20 best defenders in Corinthians’ history! If you liked this content, be sure to keep following the site to stay on top of the sports world!
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