The alvinegro carioca, one of the most traditional and respected clubs in Brazilian soccer, built its history with the help of the best goalkeepers in Botafogo‘s history.
Throughout its decades of glory, countless players have made their mark on the club’s history, but few have the honor of being remembered as true keepers of the alvinegras goalposts.
To be a Botafogo goalkeeper is to carry on your shoulders the responsibility of defending the Lone Star and perpetuating a tradition of excellence.
In this article, we’ll delve into the careers of the ten best goalkeepers in Botafogo’s history, exploring their careers, titles, most important moments and curiosities. These players not only shone with their spectacular saves, but also became icons for generations of fans, leaving an everlasting legacy in Brazilian soccer.
Let’s celebrate these great names who, with courage and talent, contributed to building Botafogo’s greatness.
🤑 Bet at Bet7k and WIN up to R$7,000 in bonuses on your first deposit. 🚨
10 Best Goalkeepers in Botafogo’s History
1. Wagner
Titles for Botafogo:
- Brazilian Championship : 1995
- Cidade Maravilhosa Cup: 1996
- Teresa Herrera Trophy: 1996
- Guanabara Cup: 1997
- Rio Cup: 1997
- Carioca Championship: 1997
- Rio-São Paulo Tournament : 1998
One of the best goalkeepers in Botafogo’s history, Wagner was among the most important players to win the 1995 Brazilian Championship, Estrela Solitária’s last, alongside Túlio Maravilha and other Botafogo greats.
He also won the 1997 Carioca Championship over Vasco.
He is the third goalkeeper with the most appearances for the club, behind Jefferson and Manga, with 412 games.
2. Manga
Titles for Botafogo:
- Carioca Championship Tournament: 1961, 1962, 1963 and 1967
- Carioca Championship: 1961, 1962, 1967 and 1968
- Rio-São Paulo Tournament: 1962, 1964 and 1966
- Guanabara Cup: 1967 and 1968
- Brazil Cup: 1968
In Brazil, “Goalkeeper’s Day” is celebrated on April 26. It was precisely in honor of Manga, one of the best goalkeepers in the history of Botafogo and Brazil.
Haílton Corrêa de Arruda built a brilliant career at Botafogo, Manga stood out for his agility and quick reflexes.
After leaving Botafogo, he had successful spells at clubs such as Internacional and Nacional in Uruguay, as well as playing for the Brazilian national team.
Read also: List of all the Campeonato Brasileiro [Série A] champions
3. Jefferson de Oliveira Galvão
Titles for Botafogo:
- Campeonato Brasileiro Série B: 2015
- Carioca Championship: 2010, 2013, 2018
- Guanabara Cup: 2006, 2009, 2010, 2013, 2015
- Rio Cup: 2007, 2008, 2010, 2012, 2013
His penalty saves in Carioca derbies put him on the list of the best goalkeepers in Botafogo’s history.
In addition to his part in the Serie B Championship campaign in 2015, he was nicknamed the Ice Man for his coolness during matches and training sessions.
Jefferson began his career at Cruzeiro, but it was at Botafogo that he established himself as one of the great goalkeepers in Brazilian soccer.
With spells with the Brazilian national team, including the 2014 World Cup, Jefferson is remembered for his miraculous saves and leadership on the pitch.
He retired in 2018 and is still an eternal idol of the Botafogo fans.
4. Aymoré Moreira
Titles for Botafogo:
- Torneio Início: 1938
Aymoré Moreira was one of the great goalkeepers who played for Botafogo, standing out during the 1940s. His career at the club was marked by safe and memorable performances, making him an icon in the position.
5. Ricardo Cruz
Titles for Botafogo:
- Carioca Championship: 1989 and 1990
Ricardo Cruz arrived at Botafogo in 1988 and quickly established himself as a first-team regular. With his assured and decisive performances, he helped the club win the 1989 state title, breaking a 21-year drought.
He went on to win the league title for the second time in a row, writing his name among the best goalkeepers in Botafogo’s history.
6. Oswaldo “Baliza”
Titles for Botafogo:
- Carioca Championship: 1948
- Rio de Janeiro Municipal Football Tournament: 1951
- Porto Alegre Triangular Tournament: 1951
With an incredible save in the 1948 Carioca final, he was instrumental in winning the title.
Oswaldo, known as “Baliza”, was one of the first players to enter the list of the best goalkeepers in Botafogo’s history.
His career at the club was marked by memorable saves and leadership on the pitch. After retiring, he became known as one of the icons of Botafogo and Rio de Janeiro soccer.
7. Roberto Gomes Pedrosa
Titles for Botafogo:
- Carioca Championship: 1932, 1933 and 1934
- Rio-São Paulo State Champions Cup: 1931
Roberto Gomes Pedrosa, known as “Pedrosa”, was one of Botafogo’s pioneering goalkeepers and was part of the team’s three Rio championships.
With a career full of achievements, he helped the club dominate Rio soccer in the 30s. After retiring, Pedrosa remained an important figure in Brazilian soccer.
8. Victor Correia Gonçalves, “Gatinho”
Titles for Botafogo:
- Carioca Championship: 1957
Key Moments:
- Saving penalties in decisive games
Victor, nicknamed “Gatinho” because of his agility, was one of Botafogo’s great goalkeepers in the 50s. Known for his spectacular saves and quick reflexes, he left a lasting legacy at the club. After his playing career, he continued to be involved in soccer as a coach.
9. Germano Boettcher Sobrinho
Titles for Botafogo:
- Carioca Championship: 1930, 1932, 1933, 1934, 1935
- Early Tournament: 1934
Germano, known for his security and skill in goal, was one of the best goalkeepers in Botafogo’s history.
His career was marked by great performances and significant contributions to the club’s success. After retiring, Germano remained a Botafogo icon.
Best goalkeepers in Botafogo’s history
The best goalkeepers in Botafogo’s history are:
- Wagner
- Mango
- Jefferson de Oliveira Galvão
- Aymoré Moreira
- Ricardo Cruz
- Oswaldo “Baliza”
- Roberto Gomes Pedrosa
- Victor Correia Gonçalves, the “Gatinho”
- Germano Boettcher Sobrinho
🤑 Bet at Bet7k and WIN up to R$7,000 in bonuses on your first deposit. 🚨
