São Paulo Futebol Clube, one of the giants of Brazilian soccer, has always stood out for the quality of its players, especially the midfielders. These players are responsible for creating plays, distributing passes and often deciding matches with goals and decisive assists. In this article, we highlight the 15 best midfielders in São Paulo’s history.
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Read on to find out all about the best midfielders in São Paulo’s history!
Who are the best midfielders in São Paulo’s history?
Throughout their history, the Tricolor Paulista have had some of the greatest midfield talents in world soccer.
São Paulo’s midfielders have not only shone on the pitch, but have also won countless titles, becoming eternal idols of the fans.
Read on to find out all about the best midfielders in São Paulo’s history!
They left their mark on historic moments, contributing to the many glories that the club has accumulated to this day.
The combination of technique, vision and leadership made these players true maestros on the pitch.
Each of them had a significant impact on the club’s achievements and on the hearts of the fans, leaving a legacy that spans generations.
Read on to find out all about the best midfielders in São Paulo’s history!
1. Raí
- Titles: Campeonato Paulista (1989, 1991, 1992, 1998), Campeonato Brasileiro (1991), Copa Libertadores (1992, 1993), Club World Cup (1992, 1993)
- Fun facts: Known as “The Terror of Morumbi”.
- Life Story: The undisputed idol of São Paulo, Raí shone in two spells at the club, being instrumental in the most important achievements in the club’s history.
2. Kaká
- Titles: Campeonato Paulista (2001, 2005), Copa Sudamericana (2012)
- Fun facts: FIFA World Player of the Year in 2007.
- Life Story: Born in São Paulo, Kaká showed his genius from an early age, becoming one of the best players in the world.
3. Pedro Rocha
- Titles: Campeonato Paulista (1971, 1975)
- Fun facts: One of the greatest Uruguayan players of all time.
- Life Story: Pedro Rocha made a name for himself at São Paulo with his refined technique and vision of the game, being one of the club’s main players in the 70s.
Read on to find out all about the best midfielders in São Paulo’s history!
4. Hernanes
- Titles: Brazilian Championship (2007, 2008), South American Cup (2012)
- Fun facts: Known as the “Prophet” for his inspiring statements.
- Life Story: Hernanes is one of São Paulo’s greatest recent idols, with a refined technique and leadership.
5. Pita
- Titles: Campeonato Paulista (1980, 1981, 1985)
- Fun facts: He stood out for his accurate passing and free-kicks.
- Life Story: Pita was a midfield maestro for São Paulo and was crucial to their success in the 80s.
6. Gerson
- Titles: Campeonato Paulista (1970, 1971)
- Fun facts: Known as the “Golden Lefty”.
- Life story: Gerson had a brilliant spell at São Paulo, where he showed all his skill and tactical intelligence.
Read on to find out all about the best midfielders in São Paulo’s history!
7. Pintado
- Titles: Campeonato Paulista (1991, 1992), Copa Libertadores (1992, 1993), Club World Cup (1992, 1993)
- Fun facts: Known for his fighting spirit and leadership on the pitch.
- Life Story: Pintado was one of São Paulo’s warriors in the early 1990s, taking part in some of the most important victories in the club’s history.
8. Müller
- Titles: Campeonato Paulista (1985, 1987, 1989), Campeonato Brasileiro (1986), Copa Libertadores (1992, 1993), Club World Cup (1992, 1993).
- Fun facts: He also played as a striker.
- Life Story: Müller was one of São Paulo’s greats, contributing goals and assists at decisive moments.
9. Leonardo
- Titles: Campeonato Paulista (1990, 1992), Copa Libertadores (1993), Club World Cup (1993)
- Fun facts: He also played left-back.
- Life story: Leonardo had a remarkable spell at São Paulo, showing his versatility and ability.
Read on to find out all about the best midfielders in São Paulo’s history!
10. Zizinho
- Titles: Campeonato Paulista (1957)
- Fun facts: Nicknamed “Master Ziza” for his skill and vision.
- Life Story: Zizinho was one of São Paulo’s greatest players in the 1950s, known for his talent and intelligence on the pitch.
11. Silas
- Titles: Campeonato Paulista (1985, 1987, 1989)
- Fun facts: A major figure in the 80s generation.
- Life Story: Silas is remembered for his skill and intelligence on the pitch, being one of the greats of the tricolor midfield.
12. Palhinha
- Titles: Campeonato Paulista (1994), Copa Conmebol (1994), Supercopa Libertadores (1993).
- Fun facts: He also stood out as a striker.
- Life Story: Palhinha was a versatile and decisive player, known for his ability to score important goals and create attacking moves.
Read on to find out all about the best midfielders in São Paulo’s history!
13. Danilo
- Titles: Campeonato Paulista (2005), Copa Libertadores (2005), Club World Cup (2005)
- Fun facts: Known for his accurate passing and free-kicks.
- Life Story: Danilo was instrumental in São Paulo’s success in 2005, being one of the team’s leaders.
14. Muricy Ramalho
- Titles: Campeonato Paulista (1975) and Campeonato Brasileiro (1977)
- Fun facts: Successful player and coach, with multiple titles in both roles. Strong identification with São Paulo as a player and coach
- Life story: Born in São Paulo in 1955, he had a solid career as a player before becoming a coach. He currently works as a sports commentator.
15. Cícero Santos
- Titles: Libertadores da América (2017, for Grêmio), Copa do Brasil (2017, for Grêmio), Campeonato Brasileiro (2012, for Fluminense) and Campeonato Paulista (2013, for São Paulo)
- Fun facts: Recognized for his versatility, playing in various midfield positions. He also played in European soccer, especially in France
- Life story: Born in Castelo, Espírito Santo, in 1984, he began his career at Bahia before moving to Fluminense.
List of the 15 best midfielders in São Paulo’s history
- Raí
- Kaká
- Pedro Rocha
- Hernanes
- Pita
- Gérson
- Pintado
- Müller
- Leonardo
- Zizinho
- Silas
- Palinha
- Danilo
- Muricy Ramalho
- Cícero Santos
São Paulo Futebol Clube’s midfielders have played a crucial role in building the club’s history and glories.
From the pioneers to the modern day, each player has brought their own magic and unique skills to the team, delighting fans and collecting trophies.
These players not only won titles, but also created a legion of passionate fans and followers, inspiring future generations.
For those wishing to learn more about the rich history of São Paulo and its idols, we invite you to explore our website.
Here, you’ll find detailed information, statistics, curiosities and much more about the great players who helped make São Paulo one of the biggest clubs in the world.
- The 15 best defensive midfielders in São Paulo’s history
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- The 15 best right-backs in São Paulo’s history
