Vasco da Gama, one of Brazil’s most traditional clubs, has always been known for having great goalkeepers . These players, with their memorable saves and heroic moments, have helped build the club’s rich history. Here, we list the 10 best goalkeepers in Vasco’s history, highlighting their achievements, defining moments and life paths.
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The best goalkeepers in Vasco’s history: 10 goalkeepers
1. Barbosa
Titles with Vasco:
- Carioca Championship: 1945, 1947, 1949, 1950, 1952
- South American Club Championship: 1948
Barbosa was one of the greats of the legendary team known as the “Expresso da Vitória” (Victory Express) and was known for his spectacular saves and for being one of the best goalkeepers in Brazil in the 1940s.
Despite his brilliant career, Barbosa was negatively affected by the 1950 World Cup. However, he is remembered as one of the best goalkeepers in Vasco’s history.
2. Edgardo Andrada
Titles at Vasco:
- Carioca Championship: 1970
- Brazilian Championship: 1974
Known as “El Gato”, Andrada is remembered for his spectacular saves and for being one of the best foreign goalkeepers to play in Brazilian soccer. He was voted the best goalkeeper in the 1970 Campeonato Carioca.
Andrada enjoyed the best phase of his career at the Rio de Janeiro club, making over 300 appearances and becoming one of the best goalkeepers in Vasco’s history, fondly remembered to this day by the fans of this soccer giant.
3. Carlos Germano
Titles at Vasco:
- Brazilian Championship: 1997
- Copa Libertadores: 1998
- Rio-São Paulo Tournament: 1999
- Carioca Championship: 1992, 1993, 1994, 1998
Carlos Germano was one of the pillars of the team that won the Libertadores Cup in 1998 and the Brasileiro in 1997, recognized for his security and leadership on the pitch.
In the 1997 Brazilian Championship, one of the best goalkeepers in Vasco’s history, he was voted the best goalkeeper in the competition, winning the Silver Ball.
He was also the second player to wear the Cruzmaltina shirt the most times, in 632 games.
4. Helton
Titles with Vasco:
- Copa Libertadores de América: 1998
- Rio-São Paulo Tournament: 1999
- Brazilian Championship: 2000
- Mercosur Cup: 2000
- Guanabara Cup: 2000
- Rio Cup: 1999 and 2001
Helton was one of the best young goalkeepers of his generation, winning the Brazilian Championship and the Mercosur Cup in 2000.
After making a name for himself at Vasco, he moved to Porto in Portugal, where he enjoyed a long and successful career.
5. Fernando Prass
Titles at Vasco:
- Brazilian Championship – Série B: 2009
- Brazilian Cup: 2011
Among the best goalkeepers in Vasco’s history, Prass was crucial in winning the Copa do Brasil in 2011, making important saves and being a leader on the pitch.
He also endured difficult times, such as the 2009 season, when he played in Serie B of the Brazilian Championship for the team and helped them return to the top flight.
6. Mazzaropi
Titles with Vasco:
- Guanabara Cup: 1976 and 1977
- Carioca Championship: 1977 and 1982
- Brazilian Championship: 1974
- João Havelange Tournament: 1981
- Colombino Trophy: 1980
- Funchal Tournament (Portugal): 1981
Mazzaropi is remembered for his security and regularity, and was instrumental in the Carioca triumphs of 1977 and 1982.
When he arrived at the Carioca team, the goalkeeper was Andrada, and he only won his place after his idol’s departure in 1976. That same year, the player was instrumental in winning the Carioca title, saving a series of penalties.
In 1977, Mazaropi went 20 matches without conceding a goal, which made him one of the best goalkeepers in Vasco’s history.
7. Acácio Cordeiro Barreto
Titles with Vasco:
- Brazilian Championship: 1989
- Carioca Championship: 1982, 1987 and 1988
- Guanabara Cup: 1986, 1987 and 1990
- Rio Cup: 1984 and 1988
Acácio was one of the most regular and reliable goalkeepers in Vasco’s history, and was essential in winning the 1989 Brasileiro.
8. Fábio
Titles with Vasco:
- Mercosur Cup: 2000
- Brazilian Championship: 2000
- Carioca Championship: 2003
- Guanabara Cup: 2000 and 2003
- Rio Cup: 2001, 2003 and 2004
One of the best goalkeepers in Vasco’s history, Fábio became part of the club’s history in the early 2000s, when he was one of the highlights in winning the Brazilian Championship and Mercosur in 2000, showing talent and potential from a young age.
Fábio remained at Vasco from 2000 to 2005, becoming the first-choice keeper after Helton’s departure and winning several tournaments.
9. Emerson Leão
Titles with Vasco:
- Seville City Tournament: 1979
- Festa de Elche Trophy: 1979
- Super Series Tournament: 1980
Emerson Leão, one of the most iconic goalkeepers in Brazilian soccer, had a brief spell at Vasco da Gama in the early 1970s.
During his brief stay at Vasco, Leão demonstrated the qualities that would make him one of Brazil’s best goalkeepers: quick reflexes, leadership and a dominant presence in the box.
Although Leão didn’t win any significant trophies with Vasco during his brief spell as a player, he is remembered for the competence and professionalism he always brought to the pitch.
10. Léo Jardim
Even without titles,Léo Jardim has already marked his career as one of the best goalkeepers in Vasco’s history, being decisive in the team’s stay in Serie A of the Brazilian Championship in the 2023 and 2024 seasons.
He has also ensured the team’s victory in dozens of games and is the best player on the pitch in multiple matches, becoming one of the greatest idols of the current team.
List of the best goalkeepers in Vasco’s history
The 10 best goalkeepers in Vasco’s history are:
- Edgardo Andrada
- Carlos Germano
- Helton
- Fernando Prass
- Barbosa
- Mazzaropi
- Acácio Cordeiro Barreto
- Fábio
- Emerson Leão
- Léo Jardim
The best goalkeepers in Vasco’s history have left an indelible mark on Vasco da Gama’s history, contributing significantly to the club’s moments of glory.
Each one, with their own unique style, helped build Vasco’s reputation as one of the greatest teams in Brazilian soccer.
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