Fluminense Football Club, with over a century of history, is one of the most prestigious clubs in Brazilian soccer. In this article, we will pay tribute to 15 of the best defensive midfielders in Fluminense’s history, highlighting their titles, spells at the club, curiosities and life stories.
Keep reading to find out all about the best defensive midfielders in Fluminense’s history!
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Who are the best defensive midfielders in Fluminense’s history?
Founded in 1902, the Tricolor das Laranjeiras has always been a factory of talent in all positions.
Among these talents, the midfielders stand out for their ability to protect the defense, initiate attacking moves and control the pace of the game.
Fluminense’s midfielders have played a crucial role in the club’s achievements over the years;
Keep reading to find out all about the best defensive midfielders in Fluminense’s history!
Known for their stamina, tackling ability and vision, these players were key to the team’s success;
Many of them became fans’ idols and left a lasting legacy at the club, inspiring future generations.
Each of these players made a unique contribution to Fluminense’s greatness and deserves to be remembered for their achievements and dedication.
Keep reading to find out all about the best defensive midfielders in Fluminense’s history!
1. Carlos Alberto Pintinho
- Titles:
- Carioca Championship: 1971, 1973, 1975, 1976
- Guanabara Cup: 1971, 1975, 1976
- Team: Fluminense (1970-1977)
- Curiosities:
- Known for his refined technique and precise passing.
- Life Story:
- Carlos Alberto Gomes, known as Pintinho, was one of Fluminense’s main midfielders in the 70s.
- After his time at Fluminense, he had a successful career in European soccer, especially at Sevilla.
2. Didi
- Titles:
- Rio International Cup: 1952
- Carioca Championship: 1951
- Team: Fluminense (1949-1956)
- Curiosities:
- Two-time world champion with the Brazilian national team in 1958 and 1962.
- Life Story:
- Waldyr Pereira, better known as Didi, was one of the greatest players of his generation, known as the “Ethiopian Prince” for his elegant style of play.
- After his career as a player, Didi also had a career as a coach.
3. Delei
- Titles:
- Brazilian Championship: 1984
- Carioca Championship: 1983, 1984, 1985
- Team: Fluminense (1983–1987)
- Curiosities:
- Versatile, he also played as an attacking midfielder.
- Life Story:
- Vanderlei Paiva de Oliveira, known as Delei, was instrumental in Fluminense’s achievements in the 80s.
- After his playing career, Delei worked as a sports commentator and manager.
Keep reading to find out all about the best defensive midfielders in Fluminense’s history!
4. Gerson
- Titles:
- Carioca Championship: 1969
- Team: Fluminense (1969–1972)
- Curiosities:
- Known as the “Golden Left-Hander” for his talent with his left leg.
- Life Story:
- Gérson de Oliveira Nunes, known worldwide as Gerson, was one of the greatest midfielders in the history of Brazilian soccer.
- He won the World Cup with the Brazilian national team in 1970 and had a successful career as a sports commentator.
5. Marcão
- Titles:
- Brazilian Championship: 2010
- Carioca Championship: 2002
- Team: Fluminense (1999–2006)
- Curiosities:
- A fans’ idol for his race and dedication on the pitch.
- Life Story:
- Marco Aurélio de Oliveira, known as Marcão, had a long and successful spell at Fluminense.
- After ending his career as a player, Marcão continued at the club as a coach and assistant coach.
6. Jandir
- Titles:
- Carioca Championship: 1983, 1984, 1985
- Brazilian Championship: 1984
- Team: Fluminense (1983-1987)
- Curiosities:
- He was fundamental in the winning team of the 80s.
- Life Story:
- Jandir Bordignon, known simply as Jandir, was one of Fluminense’s mainstays in the 80s.
- After his career with Fluminense, he played for other Brazilian clubs.
Keep reading to find out all about the best defensive midfielders in Fluminense’s history!
7. Arouca
- Titles:
- Brazilian Cup: 2007
- Team: Fluminense (2004–2008)
- Curiosities:
- Versatile, he played in both defense and midfield.
- Life Story:
- Marcos Arouca da Silva, known as Arouca, made a name for himself at Fluminense before moving to Santos, where he continued to enjoy success.
- He had spells at other major Brazilian clubs, including São Paulo and Palmeiras.
8. Amaral
- Titles:
- Carioca Championship: 1995
- Team: Fluminense (1994–1996)
- Curiosities:
- Known for his physical strength and scoring ability.
- Life Story:
- Alexsandro de Souza, known as Amaral, had an important spell at Fluminense in the 90s.
- After his time at Fluminense, he played for several Brazilian and international clubs.
9. Thiago Neves
- Titles:
- Brazilian Cup: 2007
- Team: Fluminense (2007–2009, 2012)
- Curiosities:
- Known for his attacking ability, he also played as a midfielder.
- Life Story:
- Thiago Neves Augusto began his career at Fluminense and had several successful spells at the club.
- After his time at Fluminense, he played for several Brazilian and international clubs.
Keep reading to find out all about the best defensive midfielders in Fluminense’s history!
10. Bruno Silva
- Titles:
- Carioca Championship: 2012
- Team: Fluminense (2011–2013)
- Curiosities:
- Important in winning the Carioca in 2012.
- Life Story:
- Bruno César Pereira da Silva had a solid spell at Fluminense, standing out for his defensive skills.
- After his time at Fluminense, he played for other Brazilian clubs.
11. Wellington Monteiro
- Titles:
- Brazilian Cup: 2007
- Team: Fluminense (2007–2009)
- Curiosities:
- Known for his tackling ability and vision of the game.
- Life Story:
- Wellington Monteiro began his career at Fluminense and was instrumental in winning the 2007 Copa do Brasil.
- He had spells at other Brazilian clubs, including Internacional.
12. Pierre
- Titles:
- First League: 2016
- Team: Fluminense (2015-2017)
- Curiosities:
- Known for his race and determination on the pitch.
- Life Story:
- Pierre André de Jesus, known as Pierre, had a remarkable spell at Fluminense, playing an important role in winning the Primeira Liga.
- After his time at Fluminense, he continued his career in Brazilian soccer.
Keep reading to find out all about the best defensive midfielders in Fluminense’s history!
13. Valencia
- Titles:
- Brazilian Championship: 2010, 2012
- Carioca Championship: 2012
- Team: Fluminense (2010–2014)
- Curiosities:
- Fundamental in Fluminense’s conquests of the Brasileirão.
- Life Story:
- Edwin Armando Valencia Rodríguez, known as Valencia, had a brilliant career at Fluminense, standing out for his defensive solidity.
- After his time at Fluminense, he played for other Brazilian and international clubs.
14. Cícero
- Titles:
- Carioca Championship: 2012
- Team: Fluminense (2007–2008, 2011–2012, 2016)
- Curiosities:
- Versatile, he played as both a midfielder and a winger.
- Life Story:
- Cícero Santos had several successful spells at Fluminense, and was instrumental in winning the Carioca title in 2012.
- After his time at Fluminense, he played for several Brazilian and international clubs.
15. Fabinho
- Titles:
- Carioca Championship: 2005
- Team: Fluminense (2004–2006)
- Curiosities:
- Known for his physical strength and scoring ability.
- Life Story:
- Fabio de Jesus, known as Fabinho, had an important spell at Fluminense in the 2000s.
- After his time at Fluminense, he played for several Brazilian and international clubs.
List of the 15 best defensive midfielders in Fluminense’s history
- Carlos Alberto Pintinho
- Didi
- Delei
- Gerson
- Marcão
- Jandir
- Arouca
- Amaral
- Thiago Neves
- Bruno Silva
- Wellington Monteiro
- Pierre
- Valencia
- Cícero
- Fabinho
Did you like getting to know the best defensive midfielders in Fluminense’s history?
Fluminense’s midfielders have always played a crucial role in the club’s history, providing unforgettable moments and contributing significantly to its achievements;
Each of these players, with their unique skills and dedication, helped to build Fluminense’s rich history, becoming eternal idols for Fluminense fans.
We hope this list has brought up some inspiring memories and stories of these great steering wheels;
We invite you to keep following our website for more content on the rich history of Fluminense and its idols. Together, let’s celebrate the glories of our beloved Tricolor!
