Botafogo is one of the most traditional and successful clubs in Brazilian soccer, with a rich history of great strikers who have left their mark on the club. In this article, we’ll explore the 10 best strikers in Botafogo’s history, highlighting their careers, titles, memorable moments and curiosities. Let’s discover the talents who delighted Botafogo fans and helped write the club’s history.
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Best strikers in Botafogo’s history
1. Quarentinha
José Pereira dos Santos, known as Quarentinha, was born on January 27, 1932 in São João Nepomuceno, Minas Gerais. Famous for his skill and nose for goal, Quarentinha was one of the greatest scorers in Botafogo’s history.
Titles for Botafogo
- Carioca Championship: 1957, 1961, 1962
- Rio-São Paulo Tournament: 1962, 1964
- Rio-São Paulo State Champions Cup: 1961
- Paris Tournament: 1963
- Rio de Janeiro International Quadrangular: 1954
- João Teixeira de Carvalho Tournament: 1958
- Mexico Pentagonal Tournament: 1962
- Colombia International Tournament: 1960
- Bolivia Golden Jubilee Tournament: 1964
- Buenos Aires Quadrangular Tournament: 1964
- Panamaribo Cup: 1964
Quarentinha was a key player in winning the Carioca Championship and the Rio-São Paulo Tournament. His talent for scoring decisive goals helped consolidate the club as one of Brazil’s great teams in the 1960s, and made him one of the best strikers in Botafogo’s history.
Curiosities
- Quarentinha is one of the greatest scorers in Botafogo’s history.
- He was one of the few players to score in two consecutive Campeonato Carioca finals.
2. Carvalho Leite
Carvalho Leite, whose full name is Carvalho Leite de Sá, was born on July 5, 1914 in São João Nepomuceno, Minas Gerais. He was an outstanding striker in the 1930s and 1940s, when he became one of the best strikers in Botafogo’s history.
Titles for Botafogo
- Rio-São Paulo State Champions Cup: 1931
- Campeonato Carioca: 1930, 1932, 1933, 1934 and 1935[1]
- Torneio Início: 1934 and 1938
- Burgos Cup (Mexico): 1941
Carvalho Leite was one of the pillars of the 1935 and 1937 Carioca champions, contributing significantly to the club’s achievements.
Curiosities
- Carvalho Leite is remembered for his technical skill and ability to finish plays with precision.
- He also featured prominently in the Brazilian national team, taking part in the winning campaigns of various tournaments.
3. Heleno de Freitas
Heleno de Freitas was born on July 12, 1920 in São João Nepomuceno, Minas Gerais. Known for his elegant style and technical ability, Heleno was one of the great strikers of the 40s.
Titles for Botafogo
- Carioca Championship Starting Tournament: 1947
- Carioca Aspirants Championship: 1944 and 1945
- Carioca Amateur Championship: 1942, 1943 and 1944
- Burgos Cup (Mexico): 1941
- Dr. Durval Neves da Rocha Mayor’s Cup: 1942
- Intimorato Trophy: 1942
- São Paulo FC Cup: 1942
- Efficiency Cup: 1944
Heleno de Freitas is remembered as one of the best strikers in Botafogo’s history for his decisive contribution to the Campeonato Carioca triumphs in 1948 and 1950.
His skill on the pitch made him a Botafogo legend.
Curiosities
- Heleno is known for his controversial career and tumultuous personal life.
- He was also one of the first Brazilian players to gain international recognition.
4. Nilo Murtinho Braga
With a long list of Carioca titles for the Alvinegro, Nilo Murtinho Braga established himself as one of the best strikers in Botafogo’s history.
Born on June 24, 1924 in Rio de Janeiro, he stood out for his ability to score important goals and for his constant presence in Botafogo’s matches.
Titles for Botafogo
- Carioca Championship: 1930, 1932, 1933, 1934, 1935
- Rio-São Paulo State Champions Cup: 1931
Nilo Murtinho Braga was a crucial striker in the 1948 and 1950 victories, contributing significantly to Botafogo’s success during that period.
Curiosities
- Nilo is remembered for his performance in decisive matches and his skill in important moments.
- His loyalty to Botafogo made him an idol for the fans.
5. Túlio Maravilha
Túlio Maravilha, whose full name is Túlio Humberto Pereira Costa, was born on June 2, 1969 in Goiânia, Goiás. He is famous for his ability to score goals and his charismatic personality, which have made him one of the best strikers in Botafogo’s history.
Titles for Botafogo
- Brazilian Championship: 1995
- Teresa Herrera Trophy: 1996
- Rio-São Paulo Tournament: 1998
- Cidade Maravilhosa Cup: 1996
- Rio-Brasília Cup: 1996
- Eduardo Paes International Tournament: 1994
- Nippon Ham Cup: 1996
- Russian President’s Tournament: 1996
Túlio Maravilha was one of Botafogo’s biggest names during the 1990s, helping the club win the Brazilian Championship in 1995 with his brilliant performances.
Curiosities
- Túlio is known for his style of play and controversial statements.
- He is one of the few players to have had such a remarkable career with several Brazilian clubs, but he is Botafogo’s greatest idol, perhaps second only to Garrincha.
6. Roberto Miranda
Roberto Miranda was born on December 5, 1944 in Rio de Janeiro. He stood out as an agile and efficient striker, enjoying a remarkable career in Brazilian soccer.
Titles for Botafogo
- Carioca Championship: 1962, 1967 and 1968
- Guanabara Cup: 1967 and 1968
- Rio-São Paulo Tournament: 1964 and 1966
- Brazilian Championship: 1968
Roberto Miranda played an important role in winning the Carioca Championship in 1968 and 1972, being a key striker in Botafogo’s success.
Curiosities
- Roberto is known for his dedication and skill on the pitch.
- He had impressive spells at other clubs, but his contribution to Botafogo is always remembered.
7. Dino da Costa
Dino da Costa was born on November 25, 1930 in Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul. Famous for his skill and presence in the penalty area, Dino was one of the great strikers of the 50s.
Titles for Botafogo
- Municipal Tournament: 1951
- Porto Alegre Triangular Tournament: 1951
- Brazilian Interstate Tournament: 1954
- Brazil/Colombia International Trophy: 1954
Dino da Costa helped Botafogo win the Carioca Championship in 1957 and 1961, being a central figure in the team’s attack during those years.
Curiosities
- Dino is known for his ability to finish off moves and score important goals.
- His career was highlighted by several Brazilian clubs, but his time at Botafogo is especially notable.
8. Amarildo
Amarildo, whose full name is Amarildo de Souza, was born on July 29, 1939 in Rio de Janeiro. Known for his versatility and skill, Amarildo was an outstanding striker in the 60s and 70s.
Titles for Botafogo
- João Teixeira de Carvalho Tournament: 1958
- Colombia International Tournament: 1960
- Rio-São Paulo State Champions Cup: 1961
- Carioca Championship Tournament: 1961, 1962 and 1963
- Carioca Championship: 1961 and 1962
- Rio-São Paulo Tournament: 1962
- Mexico City International Tournament: 1962
- Paris Tournament: 1963
Amarildo was one of the protagonists in the Carioca Championship wins of 1961 and 1962, showing his attacking ability and his importance to the team, and marking his name among the best strikers in Botafogo’s history.
Curiosities
- Amarildo also had a successful career with the Brazilian national team, being part of the squad that won the 1962 World Cup.
- He is remembered for his ability to create goalscoring opportunities.
9. Loco Abreu
Sebastián Abreu, known as Loco Abreu, is one of the best strikers in Botafogo’s history and became famous for his eccentric personality and ability to score goals, with a memorable spell at Botafogo.
Titles for Botafogo
- Carioca Championship: 2010
- Guanabara Cup: 2010
- Rio Cup: 2010 and 2012
Loco Abreu was a key figure in winning the Carioca Championship in 2010, and is remembered for his skill and charisma both on and off the pitch.
Curiosities
- Loco Abreu is known for his unusual penalty kicks and his charismatic personality.
- He had an international career, playing for various clubs around the world.
Read also: The best right-wingers in Botafogo’s history: 7 stars (including Garrincha)
10. Garrincha
Manuel Francisco dos Santos, known as Garrincha, was born on October 28, 1933 in Pau Grande, Rio de Janeiro. Considered one of the greatest footballers of all time, Garrincha was one of the icons of Botafogo and world soccer.
Titles for Botafogo
- Rio-São Paulo Tournament: 1962 and 1964
- Rio-São Paulo State Champions Cup: 1961
- Carioca Championship: 1957, 1961 and 1962
- Carioca Early Championship Tournament: 1961, 1962 and 1963
One of the best strikers in Botafogo’s history, Garrincha is famous for his incomparable skill and his brilliant moments at the club.
His performances in winning the 1961 and 1962 Carioca Championships are particularly memorable.
Curiosities
- Garrincha is known for his ability to dribble past opponents and for his significant contribution to the Brazilian national team at the 1958 and 1962 World Cups.
- His charismatic personality and unique playing style make him a soccer legend.
The strikers mentioned above played crucial roles in Botafogo’s history, leaving a lasting legacy at the club. Their skills, titles and memorable moments continue to be celebrated by fans and inspire new generations of players.
TOP 10 List of the best strikers in Botafogo’s history
Meet the best strikers in Botafogo’s history:
- Quarentinha
- Carvalho Leite
- Heleno de Freitas
- Nilo Murtinho Braga
- Túlio Maravilha
- Roberto Miranda
- Dino da Costa
- Amarildo
- Loco Abreu
- Garrincha
This article is a tribute to the best strikers in Botafogo’s history, and we hope you enjoyed revisiting these memories and celebrating the legacy of these idols.
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