The Sport Club Internacional, better known as Inter, is one of Brazil’s most traditional soccer clubs. Founded in 1909, the team from Rio Grande do Sul has won numerous important titles throughout its history, both nationally and internationally.
And one of the positions that has always stood out at Inter is that of left-back, where great names have passed through and left their mark on the football team;
These players were not only fundamental on the pitch, but they also became idols for the entire Internacional fan base. With that in mind, we’ve put together a special list of the 20 best left-backs in Internacional’s history. You’ll get to know who they are, their titles and achievements, life stories, curiosities and more.
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20 best left-backs in Internacional’s history: complete list
- Claudio Mineiro
- Vacaria
- Jorge Wagner
- Kleber
- Daniel Carvalho
- Zé Carlos
- Paulo César Lima (PC)
- Sadi
- Rubén Paz
- Chiquinho
- Fabiano Eller
- Gilberto
- Leo
- Ernani
- Andrezinho
- Leonardo
- Alan Ruschel
- Iarley
- Júnior Baiano
- Sorondo
20 best left-backs in Internacional’s history: who they are
1. Claudio Mineiro
- Titles:
- Brazilian Championship: 1975, 1976, 1979
- Gaúcho Championship: 1974, 1975, 1976, 1978, 1981
- Team:
- International
- Fun facts:
- Claudio Mineiro was known for his speed and precision on crosses.
- Life story:
- Born in Ituiutaba, Minas Gerais, Claudio began his career at Uberlândia before moving to Inter, where he became one of the fans’ great idols.
2. Vacaria
- Titles:
- Brazilian Championship: 1975, 1976
- Gaúcho Championship: 1974, 1975, 1976
- Team:
- International
- Curiosities:
- Vacaria became famous for his grit and determination on the pitch.
- Life story:
- Born in Vacaria, Rio Grande do Sul, he started out at Juventude and shone at Inter in the 1970s, being a key player in the team’s achievements.
3. Jorge Wagner
- Titles:
- Copa Libertadores: 2006
- Gaucho Championship: 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005
- Team:
- International
- Fun facts:
- Jorge Wagner was known for his accurate free-kicks.
- Life story:
- Born in Feira de Santana, Bahia, he had distinguished spells at various clubs, but left his mark at Inter, especially in the 2006 Libertadores campaign.
4. Kleber
- Titles:
- Copa Libertadores: 2010
- South American Cup: 2008
- South American Cup: 2011
- Gaucho Championship: 2009, 2011
- Team:
- International
- Curiosities:
- Kleber was a modern full-back with strong attacking support.
- Life story:
- A native of São Paulo, Kleber has had a solid career in Brazil and abroad, with an important spell at Internacional.
5. Daniel Carvalho
- Titles:
- Brazilian Under-20 Championship: 2002
- Gaucho Championship: 2002, 2003
- Team:
- International
- Fun facts:
- Although best known as a midfielder, he also played as a left-back on several occasions.
- Life story:
- Born in Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, he was one of the promises of Brazilian soccer, shining at Inter before moving to CSKA Moscow.
6. Zé Carlos
- Titles:
- Brazilian Championship: 1979
- Gaucho Championship: 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984
- Team:
- International
- Curiosities:
- Nicknamed “Super Zé” by the Colorado fans.
- Life story:
- Born in Coronel Fabriciano, Minas Gerais, he had a long and successful spell at Inter, being recognized for his regularity and talent.
7. Paulo César Lima (PC)
- Titles:
- Gaúcho Championship: 1978, 1981
- Team:
- International
- Fun facts:
- Also played as a defender, showing versatility.
- Life story:
- Born in Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, PC is remembered for his dedication to the club and leadership on the pitch.
8. Sadi
- Titles:
- Gaúcho Championship: 1969, 1970, 1971
- Team:
- International
- Curiosities:
- Known for his fighting spirit and physical strength.
- Life story:
- Sadi was born in Santo Ângelo, Rio Grande do Sul, and was part of the team that dominated Gaucho soccer in the late 60s and early 70s.
9. Rubén Paz
- Titles:
- Gaucho Championship: 1982, 1983, 1984
- Team:
- International
- Fun facts:
- He also played as a midfielder, standing out for his technical ability.
- Life story:
- Born in Artigas, Uruguay, he is considered one of the greatest foreigners to have played for Inter.
10. Chiquinho
- Titles:
- Brazilian Championship: 1976
- Gaucho Championship: 1975, 1976, 1978
- Team:
- International
- Fun facts:
- Chiquinho was known for his speed and precision on crosses.
- Life story:
- Born in Recife, Pernambuco, Chiquinho shone for Inter in the 1970s, being one of the highlights of the three-time Brazilian champion team.
11. Fabiano Eller
- Titles:
- Copa Libertadores: 2006
- Club World Cup: 2006
- South American Cup: 2007
- Team:
- International
- Fun facts:
- Although a defender by origin, he also played as a left-back with efficiency.
- Life story:
- Born in Linhares, Espírito Santo, he had spells at several important clubs, being unforgettable at Inter for his decisive performances.
12. Gilberto
- Titles:
- South American Cup: 2008
- Gaucho Championship: 2009
- Team:
- International
- Fun facts:
- Versatile, he also played as a defender.
- Life story:
- Born in Rio de Janeiro, he had a solid career in Brazilian soccer, with an outstanding spell with Internacional.
13. Leo
- Titles:
- Gaucho Championship: 1997, 2002, 2003
- Team:
- International
- Fun facts:
- Known for his regularity and good positioning.
- Life story:
- Born in Porto Alegre, he grew up in Inter’s youth ranks and established himself as one of the good full-backs of the 90s and early 2000s.
14. Ernani
- Titles:
- Gaúcho Championship: 1955, 1960, 1961
- Team:
- International
- Fun facts:
- Ernani was a technical player with good vision.
- Life story:
- Born in Bagé, Rio Grande do Sul, he was very prominent in soccer in Rio Grande do Sul in the 50s and 60s.
15. Andrezinho
- Titles:
- Copa Libertadores: 2010
- Gaucho Championship: 2009, 2011
- Team:
- International
- Fun facts:
- Originally a midfielder, he also played as a full-back on several occasions.
- Life story:
- Carioca, Andrezinho is remembered for his refined technique and participation in important moments at the club.
16. Leonardo
- Titles:
- Gaucho Championship: 1991, 1992
- Team:
- International
- Fun facts:
- Leonardo was known for his attacking prowess and finishing ability.
- Life story:
- Born in São Paulo, he had a standout spell with Inter in the early 90s.
17. Alan Ruschel
- Titles:
- Gaucho Championship: 2014, 2015
- Team:
- International
- Curiosities:
- Survivor of the tragic Chapecoense accident in 2016.
- Life story:
- Born in Taquara, Rio Grande do Sul, he returned to the pitch with determination, being an example of overcoming.
18. Iarley
- Titles:
- Copa Libertadores: 2006
- Club World Cup: 2006
- Team:
- International
- Fun facts:
- He has also played as a striker, showing his versatility.
- Life story:
- A Ceará native from Quixeramobim, Iarley is one of the heroes of the 2006 World Cup title and is beloved by the fans.
19. Júnior Baiano
- Titles:
- Brazilian Championship: 1989
- Gaucho Championship: 1991
- Team:
- International
- Fun facts:
- Originally a defender, but had important moments as a left-back.
- Life story:
- Born in Rio de Janeiro, Júnior Baiano had a successful and controversial career, with spells at several of Brazil’s big clubs.
20. Sorondo
- Titles:
- Copa Libertadores: 2010
- Gaucho Championship: 2009
- Team:
- International
- Fun facts:
- He also played as a defender.
- Life story:
- Born in Montevideo, Uruguay, Sorondo had important spells at clubs in Europe and Brazil, leaving his mark at Inter.
20 best left-backs in Internacional’s history: complete list
- Claudio Mineiro
- Vacaria
- Jorge Wagner
- Kleber
- Daniel Carvalho
- Zé Carlos
- Paulo César Lima (PC)
- Sadi
- Rubén Paz
- Chiquinho
- Fabiano Eller
- Gilberto
- Leo
- Ernani
- Andrezinho
- Leonardo
- Alan Ruschel
- Iarley
- Júnior Baiano
- Sorondo
20 best left-backs in Internacional’s history
This is the list of the 20 best left-backs in Internacional’s history! If you enjoyed getting to know the players, take the opportunity to keep following the site to stay up to date with everything about the club, soccer in general and many other sports!
