São Paulo Futebol Clube is one of the most successful and respected clubs in Brazilian soccer, with a rich history full of titles and achievements. In this article, we’ll pay tribute to 15 of the best goalkeepers in São Paulo’s history.
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Read on to find out all about the best goalkeepers in São Paulo’s history!
Who are the best goalkeepers in São Paulo’s history?
These players not only defended the goal, but also became idols and iconic figures for the fans.
An essential part of this successful trajectory are the goalkeepers who, over the years, have protected the tricolor goal with great skill, determination and dedication.
São Paulo’s goalkeepers have always been known for their refined technique, quick reflexes and ability to make spectacular saves in decisive moments.
Read on to find out all about the best goalkeepers in São Paulo’s history!
They were instrumental in winning important titles such as the Brazilian championship, the Copa Libertadores and the World Cup.
Each of them left a unique legacy and contributed to building the club’s winning identity.
Each of them will be highlighted for their achievements, curiosities and career at the club.
This list celebrates those who, with great skill and dedication, helped write the glorious history of São Paulo Futebol Clube.
Read on to find out all about the best goalkeepers in São Paulo’s history!
1. Rogério Ceni
- Titles: Brazilian Championship (2006, 2007, 2008), Copa Libertadores (2005), Club World Cup (2005), Supercopa Libertadores (1993), Recopa Sudamericana (1993, 1994)
- Fun facts: Rogério Ceni is the goalkeeper with the most goals in soccer history, with 131.
- Life Story: São Paulo’s greatest idol, Ceni is known for his leadership, technique and for being one of the club’s best free-kick and penalty takers. His career at São Paulo spanned more than two decades.
2. Waldir Peres
- Titles: Campeonato Brasileiro (1977), Campeonato Paulista (1980, 1981)
- Fun facts: Waldir Peres was the starting goalkeeper for the Brazilian national team at the 1982 World Cup.
- Life Story: With almost 600 appearances for São Paulo, Waldir is remembered for his consistency and for being one of the greatest goalkeepers in the club’s history.
3. Zetti
- Titles: Brazilian Championship (1991), Copa Libertadores (1992, 1993), Club World Cup (1992, 1993), Libertadores Super Cup (1993), South American Cup (1993, 1994)
- Fun facts: Zetti was one of the main names during São Paulo’s golden era in the 90s.
- Life Story: With his decisive saves, Zetti helped São Paulo win important titles and is still one of the club’s most respected goalkeepers.
Read on to find out all about the best goalkeepers in São Paulo’s history!
4. Gilmar Rinaldi
- Titles: Campeonato Paulista (1985, 1987, 1989)
- Fun facts: Gilmar was a substitute in the Brazilian national team at the 1994 World Cup, which Brazil won.
- Life story: He stood out at São Paulo for his safety and good positioning, being one of the club’s main goalkeepers in the 80s.
5. José Poy
- Títulos: Campeonato Paulista (1948, 1949, 1953, 1957)
- Fun facts: Poy also had a career as a coach, including at São Paulo himself.
- Life Story: A naturalized Brazilian Argentine, Poy is one of São Paulo’s oldest idols, remembered for his great contribution to the club.
6. Sérgio Valentim
- Titles: Campeonato Paulista (1980, 1981)
- Fun facts: Sérgio was one of São Paulo’s main goalkeepers in the early 80s.
- Life story: He stood out for his security in goal and was important in the club’s conquests of São Paulo.
Read on to find out all about the best goalkeepers in São Paulo’s history!
7. Noronha
- Titles: Campeonato Paulista (1943, 1945, 1946, 1948)
- Fun facts: Noronha is also remembered for his versatility on the pitch.
- Life story: He played in various positions, but it was as a goalkeeper that he stood out for São Paulo, being fundamental in the conquests of the 40s.
8. King
- Titles: Campeonato Paulista (1943, 1945, 1946, 1948)
- Fun facts: King is another big name from São Paulo’s early days.
- Life Story: Renowned for his goalkeeping skills, King helped São Paulo establish itself as a powerhouse in São Paulo soccer.
9. Picasso
- Titles: Campeonato Paulista (1967)
- Fun facts: Picasso had a short career at São Paulo, but it was quite remarkable.
- Life story: He stood out mainly for his memorable performances in the 1967 São Paulo title.
Read on to find out all about the best goalkeepers in São Paulo’s history!
10. Velloso
- Titles: Campeonato Paulista (1975), Campeonato Brasileiro (1977)
- Fun facts: Velloso is also remembered for his career with Palmeiras.
- Life story: At São Paulo, he was a safe and efficient goalkeeper, contributing to important achievements.
11. Waldemar de Brito
- Titles: Campeonato Paulista (1931)
- Fun facts: Waldemar de Brito is also known for having discovered Pelé.
- Life Story: As well as being a goalkeeper, Waldemar was an important figure in Brazilian soccer, playing an important role in São Paulo’s beginnings.
Continue lendo para saber tudo sobre os melhores goleiros da história do São Paulo!
12. Alencar
- Titles: Campeonato Paulista (1957)
- Fun facts: Alencar is remembered for his assured and decisive performances in the 1957 Campeonato Paulista.
- Life Story: Alencar was a reliable goalkeeper who made his mark on São Paulo’s history with great saves and important contributions to the club.
13. Adhemar
- Titles: Campeonato Paulista (1970)
- Fun facts: Adhemar was one of São Paulo’s star goalkeepers in the 70s.
- Life Story: Known for his safety and regularity, Adhemar was an important part of the 1970 Paulista championship.
14. Ricardo Berna
- Titles: Copa Sudamericana (2012)
- Fun facts: Berna played decisive roles in important matches.
- Life story: Berna is remembered for the spectacular saves that helped São Paulo win the South American Cup in 2012.
15. Sidnei
- Titles: Campeonato Paulista (1975)
- Fun facts: Sidnei was a safe and reliable goalkeeper during his time at São Paulo.
- Life story: With good performances, he helped the club win the São Paulo title in 1975.
List of the 15 best goalkeepers in São Paulo’s history
- Rogério Ceni
- Waldir Peres
- Zetti
- Gilmar Rinaldi
- José Poy
- Sérgio Valentim
- Noronha
- King
- Picasso
- Velloso
- Waldemar de Brito
- Alencar
- Adhemar
- Ricardo Berna
- Sidnei
The goalkeepers who have defended São Paulo’s goal over the years have been essential to building the club’s winning identity.
With their miraculous saves, leadership and skill, they have guaranteed important titles and unforgettable moments for the tricolor fans.
To celebrate these great names is to recognize the importance of the goalkeeper’s role in soccer and to value those who, with their dedication and talent, helped shape the glorious history of São Paulo Futebol Clube.
We invite all those who love São Paulo and soccer to keep following our website for more stories, curiosities and information about the great names who were and are part of this victorious trajectory.
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