The Gigante da Colina, with its rich history in Brazilian soccer, has always had great players who have shone in various positions, including the best midfielders in Vasco’s history.
These players, in particular, have played a crucial role in building a solid and effective midfield.
In this article, we explore the 10 best midfielders in Vasco’s history who have worn the shirt of the Cruzmaltino club, highlighting their achievements, defining moments and life stories.
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TOP 10 best midfielders in Vasco’s history and their titles
1. Alcir Portella
Vasco titles:
- Vasco da Gama
- Brazilian Championship: 1974
- Carioca Championship: 1970
- Rio-São Paulo Tournament: 1966
- Guanabara Cup: 1965
- Rio Fourth Centenary International Tournament: 1965
- Belém City Tournament: 1964
- Pernambuco Federation 50th Anniversary Trophy: 1965
Alcir Portella is remembered for his leadership on the pitch and his defensive ability, being a pillar of the Vasco midfield during his time at the club, establishing himself as one of the best midfielders in Vasco’s history.
Alcir began his career at Bangu before making a name for himself at Vasco. After retiring, he worked as a coach, contributing to soccer in other capacities.
2. Danilo Alvim
Titles with Vasco:
- Rivadavia International Cup: 1953
- South American Champion Clubs Championship: 1948
- Carioca Championship: 1947, 1949, 1950, 1952[2]
- Lightning Tournament: 1946
- Rio de Janeiro Municipal Football Tournament: 1946 and 1947
- Rio de Janeiro Early Tournament: 1948
- 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 the main players in the legendary Expresso da Vitória and is considered one of the best midfielders in the history of Vasco and Brazil.
Nicknamed the “Prince”, Danilo was known for his elegance and precise passing.
He also had a brilliant career with the Brazilian national team, taking part in the 1950 World Cup.
3. Fausto “Black Wonder”
Vasco titles:
- Carioca Championship: 1929 and 1934
- Myrurgia Cup (Spain): 1931
- Torneio Início do Rio de Janeiro: 1929, 1930 and 1931
- Monroe Cup [3] [4]: 1930
Fausto was one of Vasco’s first great idols, known for his physical strength and refined technique.
He was one of the first black players to stand out in Brazilian soccer, facing and overcoming the racism of the time, with the support of Gigante da Colina, known for its fight against racism in soccer.
One of the best midfielders in Vasco’s history, he also played in Europe for Barcelona and Nacional in Uruguay.
4. Zé Mário
Titles with Vasco:
- Carioca Championship: 1977
- Guanabara Cup: 1976 and 1977
- Heleno Nunes Tournament: 1976
- Manoel do Nascimento Cup: 1977
- Super Series Tournament: 1980
Zé Mário was known for his versatility and ability to score and create plays, making him one of the best midfielders in Vasco’s history.
Zé Mário had a successful career, also playing for Fluminense and Botafogo. After retiring, he became a soccer coach.
5. Luís Carlos Quintanilha (Luisinho)
Titles with Vasco:
- Brazilian Championship: 1997 and 2000
- Carioca Championship: 1992, 1993, 1994 and 1998
- Guanabara Cup: 1992, 1994, 1998 and 2000
- Rio Cup: 1992, 1993, 1998 and 1999
- Copa Libertadores: 1998
- Rio-São Paulo Tournament: 1999
- Mercosur Cup: 2000
One of the best midfielders in Vasco’s history, he was instrumental in winning Vasco’s most important titles in the 1990s, including the Copa Libertadores and the 1997 and 2000 Brazilian Championships.
Quintanilha was developed by Vasco and had spells at other Brazilian clubs, always remembered for his dedication and technical quality.
Read also: Copa Libertadores champions: the biggest winners and complete list
6. Zanata
Titles at Vasco:
- Campeonato Carioca: 1970
Zanata was a hard-tackling midfielder with excellent vision and was a key member of the Vasco team in the late 60s and early 70s.
After leaving Vasco, Zanata played for clubs such as Fluminense and América-RJ, always leaving his mark wherever he went.
7. Gesiel José de Lima (Nasa)
Titles with Vasco:
- Carioca Championship: 1998
- Guanabara Cup: 1998, 2000
- Rio Cup: 1998, 1999 and 2001
- Rio São-Paulo Tournament: 1999
- Brazilian Champion – 1997, 2000
- Bortolotti Trophy: 1997
- Mercosur Cup: 2000
- Copa Libertadores: 1998
Nasa was a key figure in Vasco’s achievements in the late 1990s, known for his relentless marking and dedication on the pitch.
Revealed by Bahia, Nasa found his peak at Vasco, where he won several titles and became an idol of the fans.
8. Jorginho Campos
Vasco titles:
- Vasco da Gama
- Carioca Championship: 2016
- Guanabara Cup: 2016
Jorginho was known for his technical ability and leadership skills, and was one of the pillars of the team that won the Libertadores in 1998.
Jorginho had a long and successful career, playing for clubs such as Palmeiras and Internacional, as well as representing the Brazilian national team.
9. Jorge
Titles with Vasco:
- South American Club Championship: 1948
- Carioca Championship: 1945, 1947, 1949, 1950 and 1952
A member of the “Expresso da Vitória”, Cruzmaltina’s magical team, Jorge couldn’t be left out of a list of the best midfielders in Vasco’s history.
His tactical application was impressive, offering support to both defense and attack.
The club’s immortal idol, he also played for the Brazilian national team, especially for his versatility, being able to play as a full-back and as a midfielder.
10. Nenê
Vasco title:
- Campeonato Carioca: 2016
Nenê arrived at Vasco in 2015 at a difficult time for the club, which was fighting relegation. His technical ability and leadership quickly made him one of the team’s key players.
Despite relegation in 2015, Nenê was instrumental in Vasco’s 2016 Serie B campaign, helping the club return to the elite of Brazilian soccer.
In his second spell at Vasco, Nenê once again brought his experience and technical quality to the team. He stood out as a leader on the pitch, helping with the transition between defence and attack, and often playing a more withdrawn role in midfield to help organize and construct plays.
One of the best midfielders in Vasco’s history for his commitment and love for the team, Nenê is remembered fondly by Vasco fans. His return to the club in 2021 showed his passion and commitment to Vasco, playing a key role in getting the team relegated in 2023.
List of the best midfielders in Vasco’s history
The list of the best midfielders in Vasco’s history includes:
- Alcir Portella
- Danilo Alvim
- Fausto “Black Wonder”
- Zé Mário
- Luís Carlos Quintanilha (Luisinho)
- Zanata
- Gesiel José de Lima (Nasa)
- Jorginho Campos
- Jorge
- Nenê
The best midfielders in Vasco’s history have left their mark on the Gigante da Colina’s history, contributing significantly to the club’s moments of glory.
Each one, with his own unique style, helped build Vasco’s reputation as one of the greatest teams in Brazilian soccer.
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