The Cruzmaltino club is known for its rich history and tradition in Brazilian soccer, and much of this success came about with the support of the players we now know as the best midfielders in Vasco’s history.
Among the many players who have passed through the club, the midfielders have played crucial roles in various achievements and defining moments, and are remembered with love by the fans.
In this article, we’ll explore the 10 best midfielders in Vasco’s history, highlighting their titles, most significant moments and their careers.
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Best midfielders in Vasco’s history: career, titles and records
1. Juninho Pernambucano
Titles for Vasco:
- Brazilian Championship: 1997 and 2000
- Carioca Championship: 1998
- Guanabara Cup: 1998 and 2000
- Rio Cup: 1998 and 1999
- Copa Libertadores: 1998
- Rio-São Paulo Tournament: 1999
- Mercosur Cup: 2000
Juninho Pernambucano is one of the greatest idols in Vasco’s history. His talent for free-kicks and his vision of the game were essential to Vasco’s achievements in the 90s.
In fact, one of Vasco fans’ most famous songs talks about one of his free-kick goals in Vasco’s legendary Copa Libertadores campaign: “Against River Plate, sensational, Juninho’s goal at the Monumental!”.
The midfielder was also a key player in the Mercosur Cup title in 1999 and is remembered for his memorable performances and leadership on the pitch.
Born in Recife, he stood out for his skill and accuracy in free-kicks, and became one of the best midfielders in Vasco’s history.
After leaving the club, he had success in international teams, including Lyon, where he won titles in France, winning seven Ligue 1 titles.
To end his career, the midfielder returned to the team from Rio de Janeiro, where he was welcomed with open arms.
His legacy at Vasco is immense, and he is widely recognized as one of the greatest midfielders in the history of Brazilian soccer.
2. Felipe “Maestro”
Titles for Vasco:
- Brazilian Championship: 1997 and 2000
- Carioca Championship: 1998
- Guanabara Cup: 1998 and 2000
- Rio Cup: 1998 and 1999
- Bortolotti Trophy: 1997
- Copa Libertadores: 1998
- Rio-São Paulo Tournament: 1999
- Mercosur Cup: 2000
- Brazil Cup: 2011
Felipe, nicknamed the “Maestro” for his ability to command the midfield, had two outstanding spells at the club, which placed him among the best midfielders in Vasco’s history.
Felipe is currently a manager of the Cruzmaltina team and, alongside Pedrinho, is fighting to get Vasco back on the winning track.
When on the pitch, his role was strategic, acting as the brains of the team, which was fundamental to their success.
3. Philippe Coutinho
Titles for Vasco:
- Campeonato Carioca: 2011
Philippe Coutinho is a Vasco youth, having even studied at the club’s school. On the pitch, he stood out for his technical ability and creativity.
Even at a young age, his ability to create chances and his vision of the game were remarkable. His performance in the 2011 Campeonato Carioca helped lead the team to the state title.
The player was then transferred to European soccer, where he excelled at clubs like Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Internazionale and more.
His career has been an example of success and development since his roots at Vasco.
After weeks of negotiations, Philippe Coutinho was officially announced by Vasco on July 10, 2024, arriving on loan from Aston Villa until July 2025.
4. Dimitri Payet
Dimitri Payet is currently part of the Vasco team, which is restructuring after years of underperformance and falls to Serie B.
Still without a title, he was instrumental in keeping the team in Serie A from 2023 to 2024, making him one of the best midfielders in Vasco’s history.
Not to mention the fact that we’re talking about one of the biggest names in world soccer, who now plays for the team from Rio de Janeiro.
5. Danilo Alvim
Titles for Vasco:
- South American Champion Clubs Championship: 1948
- Carioca Championship: 1947, 1949, 1950, 1952[2]
- Portuguese Centenary Cup: 1947
- Gerson dos Santos Coelho Tournament: 1948
- Racing Cinquentenario Trophy: 1953
- Chile International Tournament: 1953
- Rio de Janeiro International Quadrangular: 1953
Danilo Alvim was one of Vasco’s main midfielders in the 50s and 60s. His ability to control the midfield and create chances was crucial to the team’s state titles.
Danilo Alvim began his career at Vasco and stood out for his skill and creativity on the pitch.
His contribution to the team during the 50s and 60s helped solidify his legacy at the club, placing his name among the best midfielders in Vasco’s history.
6. Geovanni Silva
Titles for Vasco:
- Carioca Championship: 1982, 1987, 1988, 1992 and 1993
- Guanabara Cup: 1986, 1992 and 1987
- Rio Cup: 1984, 1988, 1992 and 1993
- Rio State Cup: 1992 and 1993
- João Havelange Tournament: 1993
- Barcelona City Trophy: 1993
Geovanni had an outstanding spell at Vasco, being a creative and technical midfielder. His performance in the 1998 Campeonato Carioca was key to winning the state title.
Born in São Paulo, he had a solid career at Vasco before moving on to international clubs. His ability to create plays and his vision of the game were notable aspects during his time at the club.
7. Alcir Portela
Titles for Vasco:
- Brazilian Championship: 1974
- Carioca Championship: 1970
- Rio-São Paulo Tournament: 1966
- Guanabara Cup: 1965
Alcir Portela was an important midfielder in the 1970s, contributing to the Campeonato Carioca and Campeonato Brasileiro titles and becoming one of the best midfielders in Vasco’s history.
His ability to control the midfield and his presence on the pitch were essential to the team’s success.
Alcir Portela had a significant career at Vasco, where he stood out for his technical ability and vision of the game.
8. Mazinho
Titles for Vasco:
- Vasco da Gama
- Guanabara Cup: 1986, 1987 and 1990
- Carioca Championship: 1987 and 1988
- Rio Cup: 1988
- Brazilian Championship: 1989
- Metz Tournament (France): 1989
- Gold Cup (USA): 1987
Mazinho was a versatile and talented midfielder who played a crucial role in winning the 1989 Brazilian Championship.
Mazinho, a native of São Paulo, had a remarkable career at Vasco and also enjoyed success at international clubs. His contribution to the club is fondly remembered by the fans.
Three times, in 1987, 1988 and 1989, he was awarded the Silver Ball as one of the best players in the Brazilian Championship .
9. Pedro Paulo de Oliveira (Pedrinho)
Titles for Vasco:
- Libertadores Cup: 1998
- Brazilian Championship: 1997 and 2000
- Mercosur Cup: 2000
- Rio-São Paulo Tournament: 1999
- Carioca Championship: 1998
- Guanabara Cup: 1998 and 2000
- Rio Cup: 1998, 1999 and 2001
With a long list of titles, including the Copa Libertadores, Pedrinho is one of the best midfielders in Vasco’s history and, as well as his talent, his love for the team has made him one of the players most beloved by the fans.
Pedrinho is currently Vasco’s president and has “bought” important fights to get the team back to winning ways.
10. Jair Rosa Pinto
Titles for Vasco:
- Carioca Championship: 1945
- Rio de Janeiro Early Tournament: 1944 and 1945
- Rio de Janeiro Municipal Football Tournament: 1944, 1945 and 1946
- Lightning Tournament: 1944 and 1946
Jair Rosa Pinto was one of Vasco’s main midfielders in the 1950s, contributing to the club’s state titles. His technical ability and vision of the game were fundamental to the club’s success.
Jair Rosa Pinto had an outstanding career at Vasco, where he established himself as one of the best midfielders in Vasco’s history.
List of the TOP 10 best midfielders in Vasco’s history
The list of the 10 best midfielders in Vasco’s history includes:
- Juninho Pernambucano
- Felipe “Maestro”
- Felipe Coutinho
- Payet
- Danilo Alvim
- Geovanni
- Alcir Portela
- Mazinho
- Pedro Paulo de Oliveira (Pedrinho)
- Jair Rosa Pinto
- Nenê
- Maneca
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