The winger in football is crucial to the balance between defense and attack, as he is responsible for protecting the defense, intercepting passes and initiating attacking moves. He needs to have a keen reading of the game, physical stamina and marking and passing skills. Cruzeiro Esporte Clube has always had outstanding midfielders who have helped build the team’s success. Want to take a look back at the best midfielders in Cruzeiro’s history? Then read on!
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The best midfielders in Cruzeiro’s history
1 – Zé Carlos
Zé Carlos played for Cruzeiro from 1970 to 1977. He was known for his marking skills, as well as his excellent vision and passing ability. He was a key player in the team’s midfield.
Titles
- Copa Libertadores: 1976
- Mineiro Championship: 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1977
Curiosities
- Zé Carlos was called up to the Brazilian national team on several occasions during the 1970s.
2 – Wilson Piazza
Wilson Piazza is one of the greatest idols in Cruzeiro’s history, playing for the club from 1964 to 1979. Initially a midfielder, he also played as a midfielder and stood out for his leadership and technical ability.
Titles
- Brazil Cup: 1966
- Libertadores Cup: 1976
- Mineiro Championship: 1965, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1977
Curiosities
- Piazza was one of the starters for the Brazilian national team at the 1970 World Cup.
3 – Douglas
Douglas played for Cruzeiro between 1994 and 1996, standing out for his physical strength and marking ability. He was one of the pillars of the midfield in the important victories of the time.
Titles
- Brazil Cup: 1996
- Mineiro Championship: 1994, 1996
- Copa Libertadores: 1997 (despite not being in the final squad, he took part in the previous stages)
Curiosities
- Douglas had a successful career both in Brazil and abroad, playing for clubs in Europe.
4 – Ricardinho
Ricardinho played for Cruzeiro from 2002 to 2006 and then in 2009. He was a modern midfielder with good marking skills and the ability to get forward and create moves.
Titles
- Brazilian Championship: 2003
- Brazilian Cup: 2003
- Mineiro Championship: 2002, 2003, 2004, 2006
Curiosities
- Ricardinho also had an outstanding spell with the Brazilian national team.
5 – Adílson Batista
Adílson Batista played as a midfielder for Cruzeiro from 1989 to 1993 and was known for his tactical intelligence and leadership on the pitch. He was instrumental in winning the Libertadores Super Cup.
Titles
- Libertadores Super Cup: 1991, 1992
- Mineiro Championship: 1990, 1992
Curiosities
- Adílson Batista had a successful career as a coach, including spells at Cruzeiro itself.
6 – Maldonado
Claudio Maldonado, Chilean, played for Cruzeiro from 2003 to 2006. He was a technical midfielder with great marking and passing skills. He contributed significantly to the club’s success.
Titles
- Brazilian Championship: 2003
- Brazilian Cup: 2003
- Mineiro Championship: 2003, 2004, 2006
Curiosities
- Maldonado was one of the best foreign midfielders to play in Brazil.
7 – Everton Ribeiro
Although best remembered as an attacking midfielder, Everton Ribeiro played as a midfielder on a few occasions at Cruzeiro, especially at the start of his career. He played for the club from 2013 to 2015.
Titles
- Brazilian Championship: 2013, 2014
- Mineiro Championship: 2014
Curiosities
- Everton Ribeiro was voted the best player in the Campeonato Brasileiro in 2013 and 2014.
8 – Henrique
Henrique is one of Cruzeiro’s most capped players, playing for the club from 2008 to 2011 and then from 2013 to 2021. He is known for his regularity and marking ability.
Titles
- Brazilian Championship: 2013, 2014
- Brazilian Cup: 2017, 2018
- Campeonato Mineiro: 2008, 2009, 2011, 2014, 2018, 2019
Curiosities
- Henrique has captained Cruzeiro on several occasions, showing his leadership and commitment to the club.
9 – Fabrício
Fabrício played for Cruzeiro from 2008 to 2011. He was a tough midfielder, known for his determination on the pitch, as well as his good passing.
Titles
- Mineiro Championship: 2008, 2009, 2011
Curiosities
- Fabrício was a fan favorite for his commitment and dedication on the pitch.
10 – Lucas Silva
Lucas Silva, a graduate of Cruzeiro’s youth system, played for the first team from 2012 to 2015 and returned in 2019. He is known for his passing ability and good vision.
Titles
- Brazilian Championship: 2013, 2014
- Mineiro Championship: 2014, 2019
Curiosities
- Lucas Silva was sold to Real Madrid in 2015, standing out as one of the great talents revealed by Cruzeiro.
11 – William Farias
William Farias played for Cruzeiro between 2016 and 2018. He was a defensive midfielder known for his tackling ability and game reading.
Titles
- Brazil Cup: 2017, 2018
- Mineiro Championship: 2018
Curiosities
- William Farias was an important part of the team’s defensive scheme during their recent conquests.
12 – Nonato
Nonato played for Cruzeiro from 1992 to 1996. He was a versatile midfielder with a great ability to mark and support the attack.
Titles
- Copa do Brasil: 1993, 1996
- Libertadores Super Cup: 1991, 1992
Curiosities
- Nonato had a long and successful career in Brazilian soccer, with spells at several important clubs.
13 – Charles
Charles played for Cruzeiro between 2007 and 2008 and then returned in 2010. He was a hard-tackling midfielder with good technical ability.
Titles
- Mineiro Championship: 2008
Curiosities
- Charles was sold to Lokomotiv Moscow in Russia in 2008 after making a name for himself with Cruzeiro.
14 – Uidemar
Uidemar played for Cruzeiro from 1993 to 1994. He was a defensive midfielder known for his physical strength and tackling ability.
Titles
- Copa do Brasil: 1993
Curiosities
- Uidemar also had notable spells at other Brazilian clubs, such as Goiás and Flamengo.
15 – Ademir
Ademir played for Cruzeiro from 1979 to 1985. He was a defensive midfielder with great physical strength and the ability to protect the defense.
Titles
- Mineiro Championship: 1984
Curiosities
- Ademir also played for the Brazilian national team, standing out for his consistency and quality.
List: the 15 best midfielders in Cruzeiro’s history
- Zé Carlos
- Wilson Piazza
- Douglas
- Ricardinho
- Adílson Batista
- Maldonado
- Everton Ribeiro
- Henrique
- Fabrício
- Lucas Silva
- William Farias
- Nonato
- Charles
- Uidemar
- Ademir
Midfielders have always played a crucial role in Cruzeiro’s history, ensuring the stability of the midfield and contributing both defensively and offensively.
From the days of Zé Carlos and Piazza to the more recent days of Henrique and Lucas Silva, Cruzeiro has always had exceptional midfielders who have helped consolidate the club’s success.
The trajectory of the best midfielders in Cruzeiro’s history shows the club’s tradition and excellence in revealing and attracting top-level talent to this position. Stay on our website for more stories and information about the great players who have marked Cruzeiro’s history!
- The 15 best defenders in Cruzeiro’s history
- Legends! The 15 best left-backs in Cruzeiro’s history
- The 15 best right-backs in Cruzeiro’s history
