Brazilian women’s soccer boasts a glorious past and a promising future. And in the midst of this radiant scenario, female defenders stand like impenetrable walls, bravely defending the glory of their teams and the national team. In this epic article, we embark on a journey to meet the 10 best Brazilian defenders of all time .
We uncover their talents, memorable achievements and inspiring life stories.
Get ready to be enchanted by the drive, technique and contagious passion of these indomitable warriors!
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TOP 1010 best Brazilian defenders of all time, their titles and records! best Brazilian defenders of all time: career, records and titles
1. Rafaelle Leone
Titles
- 2 Women’s Libertadores
- 3 Brazilian Championships
- 4 Brazilian Cups
- 1 Paulista Cup
- 1 NWSL Challenge Cup.
Nicknamed “Leona”, Rafaelle is a symbol of leadership and strength on and off the pitch. She captained the Brazilian national team and has won individual awards such as Best Defender in the Brazilian Championship.
One of the best Brazilian defenders of all time, she is currently playing in the United States for Orlando Pride, one of the biggest and most important women’s soccer teams in the world.
2. Lauren
Titles
- 1 Women’s Libertadores
- 2 Brazilian Championships
- 3 Brazilian Cups
- 1 Brazilian Super Cup
- 2 Carioca Championships
Lauren stands out for her impressive speed, which has earned her the nickname “Foguete”. Revealed at Flamengo’s youth academy, she has won titles for major Brazilian clubs. The athlete has played in Spanish soccer, but today plays as a defender for Kansas City, in the United States.
At the age of 20, she was the youngest defender in the Brazilian women’s national team for the 2023 World Cup, called up by coach Pia Sundhage.
3. Tarciane
Titles
- 1 Women’s Libertadores
- 2 Brazilian Championships
- 2 Brazilian Cups.
Tarciane is an icon of women’s soccer, even at her young age. Her refined technique and sense of positioning have made her one of the best Brazilian defenders of all time.
At just 21 years of age, she currently plays for the Houston Dash, a North American club that competes in one of the toughest leagues in the world, and has worn the Brazilian national team shirt on several occasions.
Source: Planeta Futebol Feminino
4. Kathellen
Titles
- Copa América 2022 (Brazilian National Team)
- South American Championship 2022 (Brazilian National Team)
- NJCAA National Championship: 2014
Kathellen has established herself as one of the best Brazilian defenders of all time due to her physical strength and combativeness, elements that made her a key player in the Brazilian national team ‘s success at the Copa America and South American Championships.
At the age of 28, she currently plays for Real Madrid Women’s and the Brazilian national team, but she has also played for international soccer giants such as Bordeaux (France) and Inter Milan (Kathellen Souza was the first Brazilian to be signed by the Italian side).
5. Mônica Hickmann
Titles
- South American U-20 Women’s Football Championship: 2006
- U-20 World Cup: Bronze medal (Russia 2006)
- Women’s Copa América: 2014 and 2018
- Women’s Copa América: 2014
- Brasilia International Tournament: 2014
- Pan American Games: Gold medal (Toronto 2015)
Mônica currently plays for Madrid CFF, after signing a contract with Corinthians.
In 2015, Mônica was the first Brazilian player to play for Orlando Pride in the United States and also the first Brazilian to play for Adelaide United in Australia.
Mônica stands out for her elegance and intelligence on the pitch, known for her ability to lead the defense with mastery.
6. Antonia Silva
Titles
- 1 Women’s Libertadores
- 1 Brazilian Championship
- 1 Brazilian Cup.
Antonia is an impenetrable wall in defense, thanks to her physical strength and impeccable timing.
She currently plays as a right-back and defender for Spanish club Levante and the Brazilian women’s national team.
7. Tainara Silva
Titles
- Paulista Cup: Palmeiras 2021 and Santos 2020
- International Tournament for the Brazilian National Team 2021
- Women’s Copa América 2022.
- Frauen-Bundesliga: Bayern Munich 2022/23
Tainara enchants with her race and dedication on the pitch, being tireless in her fight for every ball. She has played for major Brazilian clubs and is currently playing for Bayern Munich, where she is looking for new titles and glory.
8. Laís Araújo
Titles
- 1 Portuguese Women’s League Cup (2023/24)
- 1 Brazilian Women’s Championship A1 (2022)
- 1 Brazilian Women’s Championship A2 (2021)
- 1 Women’s Brazilian Football Cup (2022)
- 1 Women’s Brazilian Football Super Cup (2023)
- 1 Cypriot Women’s Championship (2020/21)
- 1 Iceland Women’s Cup (2018/19)
Laís Araújo is the first Brazilian to play for Benfica, one of Portugal’s most traditional clubs.
Her determination, refined technique and leadership have made her one of the main references in the “Águias” defense.
In addition, Laís is an example of overcoming, having started her futsal career at the age of 10 and followed a successful path in women’s soccer, winning titles in several countries and establishing herself as one of the best defenders today.
Read also: Top 10 female soccer goalscorers of all time
9. Érika Cristiano dos Santos
Titles
- Mercosur Cup: 2006 (Santos)
- National League: 2007 (Santos)
- Paulista Championship: 2007 (Santos) | 2019, 2020 and 2021 (Corinthians)
- Copa do Brasil: 2008 and 2009 (Santos)
- Copa Libertadores: 2009 (Santos) | 2019 and 2021 (Corinthians)
- French Cup: 2017-18 (PSG)
- Brazilian Championship: 2018, 2020, 2021 (Corinthians)
- Paulista Cup: 2022 (Corinthians)
- South American Under-20 Championship: 2006 and 2008 (Brazilian National Team)
- Silver medal at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games (Brazilian national team)
- International Tournament: 2009, 2011, 2012 and 2014 (Brazilian National Team)
- Copa América: 2010 and 2018 (Brazilian National Team)
- Toronto Pan American Games 2015 (Brazilian National Team)
Érika is undoubtedly one of the most successful players in the history of women’s soccer, and she couldn’t be left out of a list of the best Brazilian defenders of all time.
She took part in the 2011 and 2019 World Cups for the Brazilian national team and won many titles in the green and yellow jersey.
Interestingly, Érika began her professional career at Santos as a striker.
She even won the Copa Libertadores for Santos in 2009, scoring six goals in the whole tournament, including two in the final, in which Santos beat Universidad de Asunción in Paraguay 9-0.
With a spell at PSG in France, he currently plays for Corinthians, where he has won several titles, including another Libertadores.
10. Aline Pellegrino
Titles
- Pan American Games: Gold medal in Rio de Janeiro 2007 (Brazilian national team)
- Copa do Brasil: 2008 and 2009 (Santos)
- Copa Libertadores: 2009 and 2010 (Santos)
- Campeonato Paulista: 2010 and 2011 (Santos)
- Olympic Games – Silver medal, Athens 2004 (Brazilian national team)
- World Cup – Runner-up, China 2007 (Brazilian national team)
Retired from the field, Aline is currently a sports events coordinator in Brazil.
During her career, she was undoubtedly a key player in winning titles for Santos FC and the Brazilian national team, making an impression with her elegance on the pitch and securing a place among the best Brazilian defenders of all time.
These are just a few of the warriors who helped write the glorious history of Brazilian women’s soccer.
Each one, with their unique style and talent, has contributed to the growth of the sport and inspired generations of girls to dream big.
Now that you know the best Brazilian defenders of all time, keep supporting women’s soccer. Watch the matches and have fun!
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