Desde os primórdios do futebol brasileiro, a posição de lateral-direito tem sido uma das mais estratégicas e vitalmente importantes em campo. Os melhores laterais direitos brasileiros de todos os tempos não apenas servem como uma barreira defensiva na ala direita da equipe, mas também desempenha um papel crucial no apoio ao ataque, contribuindo para criar oportunidades de gol e desequilibrar as defesas adversárias.
É nesse contexto que surgiram e se destacaram alguns dos melhores laterais direitos brasileiros de todos os tempos.
Throughout the rich history of soccer in Brazil, the best Brazilian right-backs of all time have played a starring role in iconic moments that have remained etched in fans’ memories. From Djalma Santos’ skillful dribbling at the 1958 World Cup to Cafu’s explosive runs to the five-time World Cup winner in 2002, the best Brazilian right-backs of all time exemplify the excellence and versatility needed to shine in the position.
Their inspiring performances not only led their teams to glory, but also helped shape the very essence of Brazilian soccer.
To remember the historic feats of the best Brazilian right-backs of all time is to relive moments of pure genius and passion for sport. Whether it was Carlos Alberto Torres’ goal in the 1970 World Cup final, eternalized as a masterpiece of technique and coordination, or Leandro’s magical moves that delighted Flamengo fans during the 1980s, each of these players has left an indelible mark on the history of Brazilian soccer.
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But who are the best Brazilian right-backs of all time?
The 14 best Brazilian right-backs of all time: complete list
- Carlos Alberto Torres
- Djalma Santos
- Leandro
- Cafu
- Daniel Alves
- Jorginho
- Nelinho
- Zé Maria
- Maicon
- Idário
- Zezé Procópio
- Belleti
- De Sordi
- Giba
The 14 best Brazilian right-backs of all time: learn about their history
- Carlos Alberto Torres
Titles: 1970 World Cup winner with the Brazilian national team.
History: Born in Rio de Janeiro, Carlos Alberto Torres had a career marked by his technical ability and leadership on the pitch. He began his footballing journey in the youth ranks of Fluminense, standing out quickly and attracting the attention of the country’s big clubs.
Curiosity: He captained the legendary Brazilian national team in 1970, lifting the Jules Rimet Cup in Mexico and scoring one of the most iconic goals in World Cup history in the final against Italy.
- Djalma Santos
Titles: Two-time World Cup winner in 1958 and 1962 with the Brazilian national team.
History: Born in São Paulo, Djalma Santos began his career in professional soccer at the modest Portuguesa Santista, before making a name for himself at Palmeiras and gaining international prominence. His tactical intelligence and defensive skills made him a benchmark in the position.
Curiosity: Djalma Santos was the first right-back to win two World Cup titles for the Brazilian national team, leaving a huge legacy for future generations of players in the position.
- Leandro
Titles: World Champion in 1982 and 1986 with the Brazilian national team.
History: Raised at Flamengo, Leandro was an emblematic figure at right-back for the rubro-negro carioca during the 1980s. His versatility and ability to support the attack made him a key part of the team’s tactical scheme.
Curiosity: In addition to his achievements with Flamengo and the Brazilian national team, Leandro was also voted the best right-back in the world in 1983 by France Football magazine, cementing his status as one of the greats in the position.
- Cafu
Titles: The only player to play in three consecutive World Cup finals, winning two of them in 1994 and 2002 with the Brazilian national team.
History: Originally from São Paulo, Cafu began his footballing career at the modest Nacional-SP before making a name for himself at São Paulo FC. His speed, stamina and crossing ability made him a living legend in the position.
Curiosity: Cafu is the player with the most games played for the Brazilian national team in history, with 142 appearances, and was captain of the five-time world champions in 2002, being one of the great leaders of that historic conquest.
- Daniel Alves
Titles: Winner of multiple national and international championships, including the UEFA Champions League and Copa America, as well as winning the World Cup in 2002 and 2013 with the Brazilian national team.
History: Born in Juazeiro, Bahia, Daniel Alves burst onto the soccer scene at Bahia, before rising to prominence at Sevilla and later at clubs such as Barcelona, Juventus, Paris Saint-Germain and São Paulo FC. His versatility, refined technique and ability to score goals distinguish him as one of the best right-backs of all time.
Curiosity: Daniel Alves is the most successful player in the history of soccer, according to the Guinness Book of Records, with more than 40 titles won during his career, demonstrating unparalleled consistency and excellence in his position.
- Jorginho
Titles: World Champion in 1994 with the Brazilian national team.
History: Jorginho was born in São Paulo and began his career at Flamengo, where he stood out for his technical ability and speed. He had impressive spells at European clubs such as Bayer Leverkusen and Bayern Munich before returning to Brazil.
Curiosity: In addition to his achievements in national and international soccer, Jorginho was marked by his fundamental participation in the Brazilian national team’s victorious campaign at the 1994 World Cup, playing as a starter throughout the tournament.
- Nelinho
Titles: Brazilian champion in 1971 with Cruzeiro.
History: Born in Minas Gerais, Nelinho began his career at América-MG, where he stood out for his powerful shots and quality crosses. His time at Cruzeiro was marked by titles and beautiful free-kick goals.
Curiosity: Nelinho is remembered for scoring one of the most iconic goals in World Cup history, the famous “Coxa Goal” in 1978 against Italy, demonstrating his skill and precision in long-range shots.
- Zé Maria
Titles: World Champion in 1970 and 1977 with the Brazilian National Team and Brazilian Champion in 1977 with Corinthians.
History: Zé Maria, born in Recife, had a career marked by race and dedication on the pitch. A Corinthians idol, he was known as “The full-back who was never dribbled at”.
Curiosity: In addition to his successful career with Brazil and the national team, Zé Maria is recognized for his loyalty to Corinthians, where he played for most of his career and is remembered as one of the greatest idols in the club’s history.
- Maicon
Titles: 2006 World Cup winner with the Brazilian national team and several national and international titles with Porto and Internazionale.
History: Maicon was born in Novo Hamburgo, in Rio Grande do Sul, and began his career with Grêmio. He rose to international prominence playing for Porto in Portugal, where he became one of the best right-backs in the world.
Curiosity: Maicon was known for his important goals and his physical strength, which made him a difficult opponent for opposing strikers to overcome.
- Idário
Titles: World Champion in 1962 with the Brazilian national team.
History: Born in Porto Alegre, Idário had a remarkable career in Brazilian soccer, standing out mainly for his time at Grêmio. His refined technique and ability to defend and attack made him a respected figure on the national soccer scene.
Curiosity: Idário was an integral part of the Brazilian team that won the 1962 World Cup in Chile, contributing his skills both in defense and in support of the attack.
- Zezé Procópio
Titles: Winner of the Copa América in 1949 with the Brazilian national team.
History: Born in Minas Gerais, Zezé Procópio had a remarkable career in Brazilian soccer, especially playing for Atlético Mineiro. His versatility and tactical intelligence made him one of the best right-backs of his time.
Curiosity: Zezé Procópio was an important figure in the Brazilian national team’s victorious campaign in the 1949 Copa América, contributing with his skill and determination to the title win.
- Belleti
Titles: World Champion in 2002 with the Brazilian National Team and several national and international titles with clubs such as Villarreal, Barcelona and Chelsea.
History: Belletti was born in Cascavel, Paraná, and had a successful career in both Brazilian and European soccer. His ability to score decisive goals and his technical skill made him an important player in every team he played for.
Curiosity: Belletti is remembered for scoring the winning goal in the 2002 World Cup final against Germany, securing the five-time world champions for Brazil and going down in Brazilian soccer history as one of the heroes of that achievement.
- De Sordi
Titles: World Cup winner in 1958 with the Brazilian national team.
History: Born in São Paulo, De Sordi had a brilliant career in Brazilian soccer, especially playing for São Paulo FC. His defensive consistency and ability to get the game flowing made him a respected figure on the national and international soccer scene.
Curiosity: De Sordi was an integral part of the legendary Brazilian team that won the 1958 World Cup in Sweden, contributing with his solid defensive play to the team’s success.
- Giba
Titles: World Champion in 1962 with the Brazilian national team.
History: Born in Santos, Giba had an outstanding career in Brazilian soccer, especially playing for Santos FC. His technical ability and speed made him a key player in all the teams he played for.
Curiosity: Giba was part of the Brazilian team that won the 1962 World Cup in Chile, contributing with his determination and talent to the team’s success.
It is with this reverence that we revisit the career of these footballing giants, the best Brazilian right-backs of all time, whose achievements and skills continue to inspire generations of players and fans around the world;
And when it comes to the World Cup, who were the best Brazilian right-backs of all time, who won the most titles for the Brazilian national team?
Best Brazilian right-backs of all time: World Cup
- Djalma Santos
Top of the list of the best Brazilian right-backs of all time is Djalma Santos, revered as one of the greatest right-backs in soccer history, having been a key player in the Brazilian national team’s victorious campaigns at the 1958 and 1962 World Cups. His defensive consistency, technical ability and vision of the game make him a true legend of the game.
- Leandro
Taking the silver medal in the list of the best Brazilian right-backs of all time is Leandro! An emblematic figure at right-back for the Brazilian national team during the 1980s, he contributed with his versatility, refined technique and ability to support the attack. His presence was fundamental to Brazil’s successes in the 1982 and 1986 World Cups.
- Cafu
Holding the bronze medal in the list of the best Brazilian right-backs of all time is Cafu, the player with the most World Cup appearances in soccer history, having played in three consecutive finals and won two of them as captain of the Brazilian national team in 1994 and 2002. His leadership, versatility and tireless teamwork make him a sporting legend.
- Jorginho
In second-to-last place on the list of the best Brazilian right-backs of all time is Jorginho, a key player in the Brazilian national team’s victorious campaign at the 1994 World Cup, playing consistently and efficiently at right-back. His technical skill and ability to read the game contributed significantly to the team’s success in that tournament.
- Carlos Alberto Torres
Last but not least on the list of the best Brazilian right-backs of all time is Carlos Alberto Torres. The player eternalized in soccer history by scoring one of the most iconic World Cup goals in the 1970 final, as well as being the captain of the legendary Brazilian national team in that conquest. His technical ability and leadership on the pitch make him one of the greatest right-backs of all time.
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