Defenders are the backbone of any soccer team, responsible for protecting the goal and starting the build-up play. At Atlético Mineiro, this position has been occupied by some of the most talented and dedicated players in Brazilian soccer. Want to see? Then follow our list of the best defenders in the history of Atlético Mineiro.
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The best defenders in the history of Atlético Mineiro
Luizinho
Luizinho, known as “The Manager”, played for Atlético Mineiro between 1978 and 1989. With a combination of refined technique and leadership on the pitch, he is considered one of the greatest defenders in the club’s history. Luizinho was instrumental in winning six Minas Gerais championships (1978, 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983).
Réver
Réver played for Atlético Mineiro from 2010 to 2014 and again between 2019 and 2022. He is known for his physical strength, leadership skills and ability to score decisive goals. Réver was a key player in winning the 2013 Copa Libertadores, the 2014 Copa Sudamericana, the 2014 Copa do Brasil and the 2021 Campeonato Brasileiro. An important name among the best defenders in the history of Atlético Mineiro.
Leonardo Silva
Leonardo Silva, or “Léo Silva”, played for Atlético Mineiro from 2011 to 2019. With his imposing presence and aerial ability, he was one of Galo’s defensive pillars. Léo Silva was crucial in winning the 2013 Libertadores, the 2014 South American Cup Winners’ Cup, the 2014 Copa do Brasil and five Minas Gerais championships (2012, 2013, 2015, 2017, 2020).
Cláudio
Cláudio, also known as “Cláudio Mineiro”, played for Atlético Mineiro between 1968 and 1977. He was a strong, technical defender who contributed significantly to Galo’s defense. Cláudio helped the club win five Minas Gerais championships (1970, 1976, 1978, 1979, 1980).
Vantuir
Vantuir played for Atlético Mineiro between 1968 and 1975. Known for his consistency and leadership on the pitch, Vantuir was an essential part of Galo’s defense. He won two Minas Gerais championships (1970, 1976) and is remembered for his loyalty to the club. He is also a strong name in the list of the best defenders in the history of Atlético Mineiro.
Osmar Guarnelli
Osmar Guarnelli, known as “Guarnelli”, played for Atlético Mineiro between 1980 and 1985. He was a technical and disciplined defender who knew how to command a defense. Guarnelli helped Galo win four Minas Gerais championships (1980, 1981, 1982, 1983).
Oldair
Oldair played for Atlético Mineiro between 1969 and 1974. He was known for his defensive solidity and his ability to break down the opposition’s attackers. Oldair was crucial in winning the 1970 Campeonato Mineiro.
Mauro Galvão
Mauro Galvão, one of the great names in Brazilian soccer, had a brief spell at Atlético Mineiro in 1983. Despite his short time at the club, he demonstrated his quality and experience, contributing to Galo’s defensive solidity.
Adilson
Adilson played for Atlético Mineiro between 1995 and 2000. He was a versatile and skillful defender, known for his ability to initiate attacking moves. Adilson helped Galo win the Mineiro Championship in 1995 and 1999. He can’t be left out of the best defenders in the history of Atlético Mineiro.
Jorge Valença
Jorge Valença played for Atlético Mineiro between 1976 and 1982. He was a technical and disciplined defender who contributed significantly to Galo’s defense at the time. Jorge Valença helped the club win four Minas Gerais championships (1976, 1978, 1979, 1980).
Ayrton
Ayrton played for Atlético Mineiro between 1965 and 1972. Known for his physical strength and leadership skills, Ayrton was a key part of Galo’s defense during his time there. He helped the club win the 1970 Campeonato Mineiro.
Procópio
Procópio played for Atlético Mineiro twice, between 1967-1969 and 1974-1977. He was a technical defender and leader on the pitch, known for his ability to dismantle opponents with precision. Procópio was crucial in winning the 1976 Campeonato Mineiro.
Gélson Baresi
Gélson Baresi played for Atlético Mineiro between 1996 and 1999. He was a technical and versatile defender who knew how to command the defense and initiate attacking moves. Gélson Baresi helped Galo win the 1999 Campeonato Mineiro.
Gustavo
Gustavo played for Atlético Mineiro between 1996 and 2000. Known for his defensive consistency and ability with aerial balls, Gustavo was one of the pillars of Galo’s defense during his time there. He helped the club win the 1999 Campeonato Mineiro.
Marques
Marques, although best known as a striker, also played as a defender on a few occasions during his time at Atlético Mineiro between 1997 and 2003 and again between 2006 and 2010. He was versatile and skillful, contributing to the defense when necessary.
Victorino
Victorino played for Atlético Mineiro between 1979 and 1981. He was a solid and reliable defender, known for his ability to break down opponents and protect the defense. Victorino helped Galo win three Minas Gerais championships (1979, 1980, 1981).
Luizinho Tombo
Luizinho Tombo played for Atlético Mineiro between 1991 and 1993. He was a technical and disciplined defender, known for his ability to break down opponents. Luizinho Tombo helped Galo win the 1991 Campeonato Mineiro.
Edvaldo
Edvaldo played for Atlético Mineiro between 1986 and 1992. Known for his physical strength and ability in the air, Edvaldo was one of the pillars of Galo’s defense during his time there. He helped the club win the 1988 Campeonato Mineiro.
Leandro Almeida
Leandro Almeida played for Atlético Mineiro between 2005 and 2009. He was a versatile and skillful defender, known for his ability to initiate attacking moves. Leandro Almeida helped Galo win the 2007 Campeonato Mineiro.
Domingos da Guia
Domingos da Guia, considered one of the greatest defenders of all time in Brazilian soccer, had a brief spell at Atlético Mineiro in 1948. He was known for his refined technique and ability to tackle opponents with elegance, leaving a significant legacy at the club.
List: the best defenders in Atlético Mineiro’s history
- Luizinho
- Réver
- Leonardo Silva
- Cláudio
- Vantuir
- Osmar Guarnelli
- Oldair
- Mauro Galvão
- Adilson
- Jorge Valença
- Ayrton
- Procopio
- Gélson Baresi
- Gustavo
- Marques
- Victorino
- Luizinho Tombo
- Edvaldo
- Leandro Almeida
- Domingos da Guia
The defenders of Atlético Mineiro ensured defensive solidity and contributed to the construction of plays.
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