Sociedade Esportiva Palmeiras is one of the most traditional and successful clubs in Brazilian soccer. Founded in 1914, the team from São Paulo has accumulated a rich history of achievements and great players. In this article, we’ll look back at the 15 best defensive midfielders in Palmeiras’ history, celebrating their careers and achievements.
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Read on to find out all about the best defensive midfielders in Palmeiras’ history!
Who are the best defensive midfielders in Palmeiras’ history?
Over the years, many midfielders have played for Palmeiras and left an unforgettable legacy.
They have contributed to the numerous titles won and helped build the club’s reputation as a powerhouse in Brazilian soccer.
Among the various positions that have marked the club’s history, the midfielders have always played a crucial role.
Read on to find out all about the best defensive midfielders in Palmeiras’ history!
Responsible for protecting the defense and initiating attacking moves, these players stood out for their technique, vision and dedication.
Selecting Palmeiras’ best midfielders is a challenge, given the quality and quantity of talented players who have passed through the club.
However, those chosen here stood out not only for the titles they won, but also for the impact they had on the club and in the hearts of the fans.
Read on to find out all about the best defensive midfielders in Palmeiras’ history!
Let’s take a look at these stars who helped write Palmeiras’ history!
1. César Sampaio
- Titles: Campeonato Brasileiro (1993, 1994), Copa do Brasil (1998), Copa Mercosul (1998)
- Fun facts: Known for his tackling skills and precise passes.
- Life story: He was part of the historic Palmeiras team of the 1990s and also had a solid career with the Brazilian national team.
2. Dudu
- Titles: Campeonato Paulista (1963, 1966), Torneio Roberto Gomes Pedrosa (1967, 1969)
- Fun facts: He formed one of the most iconic midfield duos with Ademir da Guia.
- Life story: Played for Palmeiras for over a decade, becoming one of the club’s greatest idols.
3. Marcos Assunção
- Titles: Copa do Brasil (2012)
- Fun facts: Specializes in free-kicks.
- Life story: His accuracy in set pieces was decisive in winning the 2012 Copa do Brasil.
Read on to find out all about the best defensive midfielders in Palmeiras’ history!
4. Zinho
- Titles: Campeonato Brasileiro (1993, 1994), Rio-São Paulo Tournament (1993)
- Fun facts: Versatile, he played as both a midfielder and a winger.
- Life story: He was one of the pillars of the winning team in the 90s, combining technique and vision.
5. Amaral
- Titles: Campeonato Paulista (1996), Copa do Brasil (1998)
- Fun facts: Known for his race and leadership spirit.
- Life story: He was one of the players most loved by the fans, always giving his all on the pitch.
6. Galeano
- Titles: Copa Mercosul (1998), Copa do Brasil (1998)
- Fun facts: Multifunctional, he also played as a defender and striker.
- Life story: A player who was a symbol of dedication and versatility, he made his mark on the club’s history.
Read on to find out all about the best defensive midfielders in Palmeiras’ history!
7. Pierre
- Titles: Campeonato Paulista (2008)
- Fun facts: Admired by the fans for his dedication on the pitch.
- Life story: He was one of Palmeiras’ leaders during the 2008 São Paulo title campaign.
8. Clodoaldo
- Titles: Campeonato Brasileiro (1994)
- Fun facts: Key player in Palmeiras’ midfield in the 90s.
- Life story: Contributed significantly to the team’s success in the 90s.
9. Márcio Araújo
- Titles: Copa do Brasil (2012)
- Fun facts: Known for its regularity and consistency.
- Life story: He played an important role in winning the 2012 Copa do Brasil.
Read on to find out all about the best defensive midfielders in Palmeiras’ history!
10. Felipe Melo
- Titles: Campeonato Brasileiro (2018), Copa do Brasil (2020), Libertadores (2020, 2021)
- Fun facts: Known for his determination and leadership on the pitch.
- Life Story: He became one of Palmeiras’ most iconic players in the modern era.
11. Mauro Silva
- Titles: Campeonato Paulista (1993, 1994), Campeonato Brasileiro (1994)
- Fun facts: He played at the same time as César Sampaio, forming a solid duo.
- Life story: He had a big influence on the winning team of the 90s.
12. Gerson Caçapa
- Titles: Campeonato Brasileiro (1972, 1973), Campeonato Paulista (1972, 1974, 1976)
- Fun facts: Part of the legendary “Second Academy” team.
- Life story: Technical and intelligent player, key to the titles of the 70s.
Read on to find out all about the best defensive midfielders in Palmeiras’ history!
13. Toninho Cecílio
- Titles: Campeonato Brasileiro (1986, 1993, 1994)
- Fun facts: After his playing career, he became a club manager.
- Life Story: His leadership was important both on and off the pitch.
14. Mazinho
- Titles: Campeonato Brasileiro (1993, 1994), Campeonato Paulista (1993, 1994)
- Fun facts: Multifunctional, he also played as a left-back.
- Life story: He was an important part of the team in the early 90s, contributing both defensively and offensively.
15. Jair Rosa Pinto
- Titles: Campeonato Paulista (1950)
- Fun facts: He played in various midfield roles, including as a midfielder.
- Life Story: He was one of the first great idols of the Palmeiras fans, standing out for his refined technique and leadership on the pitch.
List of the 15 best defensive midfielders in Palmeiras’ history
- César Sampaio
- Dudu
- Marcos Assunção
- Zinho
- Amaral
- Galeano
- Pierre
- Clodoaldo
- Fernando Prass
- Márcio Araújo
- Felipe Melo
- Mauro Silva
- Gerson Caçapa
- Toninho Cecílio
- Vanderlei Luxemburgo
Have you enjoyed getting to know the best midfielders in Palmeiras’ history?
Midfielders play a fundamental role in the structure of any team, and Palmeiras is no different.
The players listed here have helped build the club’s rich history with their solid performances, titles won and unforgettable moments.
They showed the true spirit of Palmeiras, combining technique, determination and love for the shirt.
This list is a celebration of the players who left their mark on the club and are still remembered by the fans.
To find out more stories and curiosities about the idols of Palmeiras, keep following our website and immerse yourself even more in the universe of Alviverde soccer.
- The 15 best defenders in Palmeiras’ history
- The 15 best left-backs in Palmeiras’ history
- The 15 best right-backs in Palmeiras’ history
