Throughout its glorious history, São Paulo Futebol Clube has always had top quality players in every position, and right-backs are no exception. In this article, we’ll look back at 15 of the best right-backs in São Paulo’s history.
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Read on to find out all about the best right-backs in São Paulo’s history!
Who are the best right-backs in São Paulo’s history?
São Paulo’s right-backs have helped shape the club’s winning identity, playing a part in countless titles and writing their names in the club’s history.
These players were fundamental not only in defense, but also contributed significantly to the attack, demonstrating versatility and skill.
Read on to find out all about the best right-backs in São Paulo’s history!
Being a right-back at São Paulo requires not only technical and tactical ability, but also a great deal of dedication and love for the shirt.
These players had to face the best attackers in the world, deliver precise crosses and defend with intensity.
Their contributions were essential in decisive moments, and many of them became true idols of the fans.
Each of them will be highlighted for their achievements, curiosities and career at the club. This list is a tribute to these great players who have left an indelible legacy at São Paulo Futebol Clube.
Read on to find out all about the best right-backs in São Paulo’s history!
1. Cafu
- Titles: Brazilian Championship (1991), Copa Libertadores (1992, 1993), Club World Cup (1992, 1993), Libertadores Super Cup (1993), South American Cup (1993, 1994)
- Fun facts: Cafu is the player with the most caps for the Brazilian national team and captained Brazil to the five-time world title in 2002.
- Life Story: Cafu began his career at São Paulo and quickly stood out for his speed, stamina and attacking ability, becoming one of the best right-backs in the world.
2. De Sordi
- Titles: Campeonato Paulista (1957)
- Fun facts: De Sordi was a starter for the Brazilian national team at the 1958 World Cup, playing in every match until the final.
- Life Story: Known for his defensive consistency, De Sordi was one of São Paulo’s great full-backs in the 1950s and an example of loyalty and dedication to the club.
3. Cicinho
- Titles: Campeonato Paulista (2005), Copa Libertadores (2005), Club World Cup (2005)
- Fun facts: Cicinho was instrumental in São Paulo’s victorious Libertadores and World Cup campaigns in 2005.
- Life Story: With his precise crosses and strong attacking support, Cicinho stood out as one of the best full-backs of his generation at São Paulo.
Read on to find out all about the best right-backs in São Paulo’s history!
4. Jorginho
- Titles: Campeonato Paulista (1998)
- Fun facts: Jorginho had a solid career with São Paulo and was also an important part of the Brazilian national team.
- Life Story: Known for his defensive and attacking skills, Jorginho left a lasting impression on São Paulo with his consistent performances.
5. Paulo Roberto
- Titles: Campeonato Paulista (1987, 1989)
- Fun facts: Paulo Roberto has played for several clubs, but it was at São Paulo where he won important titles.
- Life Story: With his experience and quality, Paulo Roberto helped São Paulo win back-to-back titles in the 80s.
6. Zanata
- Titles: Campeonato Paulista (1975), Campeonato Brasileiro (1977)
- Fun facts: Zanata is remembered for his race and dedication on the pitch.
- Life story: As a right-back, Zanata was a key player in São Paulo’s conquests during the 1970s, being a strong tackler and supporting the attack.
Read on to find out all about the best right-backs in São Paulo’s history!
7. Cláudio
- Titles: Campeonato Paulista (1980, 1981, 1985)
- Fun facts: Cláudio was one of São Paulo’s most consistent players in the 80s.
- Life story: With his assured performances, Cláudio helped São Paulo stay at the top of the São Paulo soccer league during his career.
8. Nelsinho
- Titles: Campeonato Paulista (1975), Campeonato Brasileiro (1977)
- Fun facts: Nelsinho has also had success as a coach, including at São Paulo itself.
- Life Story: As a player, he stood out for his skill and vision of the game, contributing to São Paulo’s achievements in the 70s.
9. Valber
- Titles: Brazilian Championship (1991)
- Fun facts: Valber was a right-back who could also play as a defender, showing his versatility.
- Life Story: Known for his defensive solidity, Valber was one of the pillars of São Paulo’s defense in the early 90s.
Read on to find out all about the best right-backs in São Paulo’s history!
10. Fábio Aurélio
- Titles: Campeonato Paulista (2000)
- Fun facts: Fábio Aurélio also had an outstanding career in Europe, especially with Valencia and Liverpool.
- Life story: Although best known as a left-back, Fábio Aurélio started out as a right-back at São Paulo, standing out for his technical ability.
11. Cicinho (primeira passagem)
- Titles: Campeonato Paulista (2002)
- Fun facts: Before his famous spell in 2005, Cicinho had already shown his talent in the early 2000s.
- Life story: His speed and technique already caught the eye, making him one of São Paulo’s leading full-backs at the time.
12. Edílson
- Titles: Campeonato Paulista (1991, 1992)
- Fun facts: Edílson was part of the squad that won the Libertadores and the World Cup in 1992.
- Life Story: With good performances at right-back, Edílson contributed to one of São Paulo’s most successful periods.
Read on to find out all about the best right-backs in São Paulo’s history!
13. Leonardo Moura
- Titles: Campeonato Paulista (2002)
- Fun facts: Leonardo Moura later enjoyed great success at Flamengo.
- Life story: At São Paulo, he showed his talent as a right-back, with good runs forward and precise crosses.
14. Ilsinho
- Titles: Brazilian Championship (2006, 2007, 2008)
- Fun facts: Ilsinho was one of the highlights of São Paulo’s run of Brazilian titles.
- Life Story: Combining strength and technique, Ilsinho was one of São Paulo’s main right-backs in the 2000s.
15. Belletti
- Titles: Campeonato Paulista (2000)
- Fun facts: Belletti scored the winning goal in the 2006 Champions League final for Barcelona.
- Life Story: Before his success in Europe, Belletti was an outstanding right-back at São Paulo, showing great skill and strength.
List of the 15 best right-backs in São Paulo’s history
- Cafu
- De Sordi
- Cicinho
- Jorginho
- Paulo Roberto
- Zanata
- Cláudio
- Nelsinho
- Valber
- Fábio Aurélio
- Cicinho (primeira passagem)
- Edílson
- Leonardo Moura
- Ilsinho
- Belletti
São Paulo’s right-backs have always played a crucial role in the club’s achievements, combining solid defense with attacking support.
These players have left a lasting legacy and are fondly remembered by São Paulo fans.
To celebrate these great names is to recognize the importance of the role of right-backs 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 soccer lovers to check it out too:
- The 15 best goalkeepers in São Paulo’s history
- The 15 best strikers in Fluminense’s history
- The 15 best left-wingers in Fluminense’s history
