Botafogo de Futebol e Regatas is known for its tradition and history full of stars who have shone on the pitch. Among them, left-backs have always played a crucial role in the club’s success. In this article, we explore the careers of the six best left-backs in Botafogo’s history, detailing their careers, titles, highlights and curiosities.
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Best left-backs in Botafogo’s history: career and titles
1. Paulo César Caju
Paulo César Lima, better known as Paulo César Caju, was born on June 16, 1949 in Rio de Janeiro. Caju was one of the most skillful and versatile players of his time, becoming one of the best left-backs in Botafogo’s history, known for his dribbling ability and impressive speed.
Titles for Botafogo
- Brazilian Championship: 1968
- Carioca Championship: 1967, 1968
- Efficiency Cup: 1967, 1968, 1971
- Guanabara Cup: 1967, 1968
- Carioca Championship Early Tournament: 1967, 1977
- Cidade de Lima Cup: 1967
- Independence Cup of Brazil: 1971
- Petrobol Cup: 1968
- Mexico City International Tournament: 1968
- Dr. José M. Rodríguez Arnaiz Trophy: 1970
- Caracas Triangular Trophy: 1967, 1968, 1970
Paulo César Caju had some memorable moments during the Campeonato Brasileiro and in the 1967 and 1968 Carioca Championships, being one of the team’s main players. His performance was fundamental to Botafogo’s success in those years.
Curiosities
- Paulo César Caju was part of the Brazilian team that won the 1970 World Cup.
- He also played for clubs such as Flamengo, Grêmio and Olympique de Marseille.
2. Sérgio Manoel Júnior
Sérgio Manoel Júnior, born on March 2, 1972 in Rio de Janeiro, had a remarkable career as one of the best left wingers in Botafogo’s history, standing out for his technique and vision of the game.
Titles for Botafogo
- Eduardo Paes International Tournament: 1994
- Brazilian Championship: 1995
- Rio-São Paulo Tournament: 1998
Sérgio Manoel was one of Botafogo’s mainstays when they won the Brazilian Championship in 1995. His ability to create plays and his precision passing were essential to the title.
Curiosities
- After his retirement, Sérgio Manoel became a coach, passing on his experience and knowledge to new talents.
- He played for several clubs, including São Paulo and Santos.
Read also: Meet the 20 best winger of all time in soccer history
3: Zagallo
Mário Jorge Lobo Zagallo, born on August 9, 1931 in Maceió, Alagoas, is a Brazilian soccer legend and one of the best left backs in Botafogo’s history.
In addition to his playing career, he also excelled as a coach.
Titles for Botafogo
- João Teixeira de Carvalho Tournament: 1958
- Colombia International Tournament: 1960
- Carioca Championship Tournament: 1961, 1962 and 1963
- Carioca Championship: 1961 and 1962
- Rio-São Paulo State Champions Cup: 1961
- Rio-São Paulo Tournament: 1962 and 1964
- Paris Tournament: 1963
- Mexico City International Tournament: 1962
- Governor Magalhães Pinto Tournament: 1964
- La Paz Football Association Golden Jubilee Tournament: 1964
- Suriname Quadrangular Tournament: 1964
Zagallo was instrumental in winning the Carioca Championship and the Rio-São Paulo Tournament in the 1960s, leading the team with his talent and experience.
Curiosities
- Zagallo is the only person to have won the World Cup as a player (1958, 1962), coach (1970) and assistant coach (1994).
- He is known for his leadership spirit and deep tactical knowledge.
4. Roberto Miranda
Roberto Lopes de Miranda, born on July 31, 1944 in São Gonçalo, Rio de Janeiro, is one of Botafogo’s greatest names.
Known for his finishing ability and speed, Miranda was a versatile striker who also shone as a left winger.
Titles for Botafogo
- Carioca Championship: 1962, 1967 and 1968
- Guanabara Cup: 1967 and 1968
- Rio-São Paulo Tournament: 1964 and 1966
- Brazilian Championship: 1968
Roberto Miranda was instrumental in winning the 1967 and 1968 Carioca Championships, forming a deadly attacking duo with Jairzinho.
Curiosities
- Roberto Miranda also won the 1970 World Cup with the Brazilian national team.
- As well as being one of the best left-backs in Botafogo’s history, he had important spells at clubs such as Flamengo and Corinthians.
Read also: 9 best midfielders in Botafogo’s history: careers and titles for Estrela Solitária
5. Amarildo
Amarildo Tavares da Silveira, born on July 29, 1939 in Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, is widely known as “O Possesso” for his intensity on the pitch.
Amarildo was a skillful and fearless player who made history for both Botafogo and the Brazilian national team.
Titles for Botafogo
- João Teixeira de Carvalho Tournament: 1958
- Colombia International Tournament: 1960
- Rio-São Paulo State Champions Cup: 1961
- Carioca Championship Tournament: 1961, 1962 and 1963
- Carioca Championship: 1961 and 1962
- Rio-São Paulo Tournament: 1962
- Mexico City International Tournament: 1962
- Paris Tournament: 1963
Amarildo played a crucial role in winning the Carioca Championship and the Rio-São Paulo Tournament, being one of the team’s top scorers and establishing himself as one of the best left-backs in Botafogo’s history.
Curiosities
- Amarildo shone at the 1962 World Cup, replacing the injured Pelé and helping Brazil win the title.
- He also played in Europe, playing for Milan and Fiorentina.
6. Dé Aranha
José Ribamar de Oliveira, better known as Dé Aranha, was born on April 16, 1948 in Rio de Janeiro.
Dé was known for his dribbling skills and speed, and was one of Botafogo’s most charismatic and talented players.
He was Botafogo’s top scorer in the 1977 season with 22 goals in 32 games.
As one of the best left-backs in Botafogo’s history, he became the team’s top scorer in the 1978 season with 36 goals in 56 games, as well as being voted one of the best in Rio de Janeiro soccer that same year.
He is still the 25th top scorer in the history of Botafogo de Futebol e Regatas.
Titles for Botafogo
- Carioca Championship: 1967, 1968
Dé Aranha was one of Botafogo’s standout players in the 1967 and 1968 Carioca Championships, delighting fans with his moves and goals.
Curiosities
- After his playing career, Dé Aranha worked as a sports commentator and coach.
- He also played for clubs such as Fluminense and Bangu.
The best left-backs in Botafogo’s history are more than just players; they are icons who have marked Botafogo’s history with their skills, achievements and unforgettable moments.
Each of them brought something unique to the club and left a lasting legacy that continues to inspire new generations of players and fans.
List of the 6 best left-backs in Botafogo’s history
- Paulo César Caju
- Sérgio Manoel Júnior
- Zagallo
- Roberto Miranda
- Amarildo
- Dé Aranha
This article celebrates the contribution of these great players, highlighting their careers, titles and defining moments, consolidating them as the best left-backs in Botafogo’s history.
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