Left wingers are often the most creative and electrifying players on the pitch, with the responsibility of unsettling opposing defenses and creating goal-scoring opportunities. In this article, we’ll highlight the 15 best left-wingers in São Paulo’s history, exploring their achievements, curiosities and life stories.
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Read on to find out all about the best left-wingers in São Paulo’s history!
Who are the best left-wingers in São Paulo’s history?
São Paulo Futebol Clube is one of the most traditional and winning clubs in Brazilian soccer, with a history full of great achievements and unforgettable idols.
Among the players who have made their mark in the São Paulo tricolor, left-backs have a special place, as many of them combined skill, speed and precision to help the club achieve countless titles.
Read on to find out all about the best left-wingers in São Paulo’s history!
Over the decades, São Paulo has had some of the most talented left-backs in Brazilian soccer, players who have delighted fans with their dribbling, assists and memorable goals.
Each of these players left their mark on the club and helped build the rich history of the São Paulo tricolor.
Read on to find out all about the best left-wingers in São Paulo’s history!
1. Canhoteiro
- Titles: Campeonato Paulista (1957)
- Fun facts: Known as the “Left-handed Garrincha”.
- Life Story: Born in Coroatá, Maranhão, in 1932, Canhoteiro was one of the greatest dribblers in the history of Brazilian soccer. After retiring, he faced financial and health difficulties.
2. Zé Sérgio
- Titles: Campeonato Paulista (1975, 1980, 1981)
- Fun facts: Known for his speed and dribbling ability.
- Life Story: Born in São Paulo in 1957, Zé Sérgio’s career was marked by spells at Santos and Portuguesa. After retiring, he worked as a soccer coach.
3. Denílson
- Titles: Campeonato Paulista (1998, 2000) and FIFA World Cup (2002)
- Fun facts: Known for being the most expensive player in the world at the time, when he moved to Betis.
- Life Story: Born in Diadema, São Paulo, in 1977, Denílson’s career was marked by spells in Europe and Asia. He worked as a sports commentator after his retirement.
Read on to find out all about the best left-wingers in São Paulo’s history!
4. Serginho
- Titles: Copa do Brasil (1998) and Copa Conmebol (1994)
- Fun facts: Known for his speed and attacking ability.
- Life Story: Born in Nilópolis, Rio de Janeiro, in 1971, Serginho was one of São Paulo’s great left-backs in the 90s. After retiring, he became a coach.
5. Sidnei
- Titles: Campeonato Paulista (1975)
- Fun facts: Known for his skill and speed in attack.
- Life Story: Born in São Paulo, Sidnei was a fast and skillful left winger. After his soccer career, he dedicated himself to social projects in his community.
6. Paraná
- Titles: Campeonato Paulista (1981)
- Fun facts: Versatile, also playing as a midfielder.
- Life Story: Born in Recife, Pernambuco, in 1951, Paraná had an outstanding career with São Paulo in the 70s and 80s. After retiring, he became involved in training initiatives for young athletes.
Read on to find out all about the best left-wingers in São Paulo’s history!
7. Júlio César
- Titles: Campeonato Brasileiro (2006) and Campeonato Paulista (2005)
- Fun facts: Known for his defensive ability and physical presence.
- Life Story: Born in São Luís, Maranhão, in 1978, Júlio César had a successful career with Brazilian and international clubs. After retirement, he became involved in social and business activities.
8. Everton
- Titles: Campeonato Carioca (2008, 2011, 2014, for Flamengo) and Copa do Brasil (2013, for Flamengo)
- Fun facts: Known for his speed and dribbling ability.
- Life Story: Born in Nortelândia, Mato Grosso, in 1988, Everton’s career has been marked by success at Brazilian clubs. He is still active in Brazilian soccer.
9. Elivélton
- Titles: Libertadores de América (1993), Interclub World Cup (1993) and Campeonato Paulista (1992)
- Fun facts: Known for his technical ability and accurate crosses.
- Life Story: Born in Serrania, Minas Gerais, in 1971, Elivélton’s career was marked by spells at Brazilian and international clubs. He worked as a sports commentator after his retirement.
Read on to find out all about the best left-wingers in São Paulo’s history!
10. Michel Bastos
- Titles: Ligue 1 (2009, Lyon)
- Fun facts: Versatile, also playing as a left-winger and midfielder.
- Life Story: Born in Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, in 1983, Michel Bastos had a successful career in Europe, especially with Lyon. After retiring, he worked as a sports commentator.
11. Toninho
- Titles: Campeonato Paulista (1989, 1991)
- Fun facts: Known for his technique and attacking ability.
- Life Story: Born in São Paulo in 1955, Toninho was a skillful and versatile player who enjoyed a successful career with São Paulo. After retiring, he became involved in coaching and training young players.
12. Sávio
- Titles: Copa do Brasil (2006) and Campeonato Carioca (1996, 1999, 2001, for Flamengo)
- Fun facts: He also played for Real Madrid, where he won the Champions League.
- Life Story: Born in Vila Velha, Espírito Santo, in 1974, Sávio has had a successful career both in Brazil and in Europe. After retiring, he dedicated himself to social and business projects.
Read on to find out all about the best left-wingers in São Paulo’s history!
13. Ronaldo Luís
- Titles: Libertadores de América (1992, 1993), Interclub World Cup (1992, 1993) and Campeonato Paulista (1992)
- Fun facts: Known for his consistency and defensive ability.
- Life Story: Born in São Paulo in 1965, Ronaldo Luís had a successful career with São Paulo and other Brazilian clubs. After retirement, he became involved in coaching and training.
14. Gil
- Titles: Campeonato Paulista (1998, 2000)
- Fun facts: Known for his skill and speed on the left wing.
- Life Story: Born in Santo André, São Paulo, in 1976, Gil’s career was marked by spells with Brazilian and international clubs. After retiring, he became involved in projects to train young athletes.
15. Pepe
- Titles: Campeonato Paulista (1959)
- Fun facts: Although he is best known for his career with Santos, Pepe had a brief spell at São Paulo towards the end of his career.
- Life Story: Born in Santos, São Paulo, in 1935, Pepe is one of the greatest left-wingers in the history of Brazilian soccer. He excelled mainly at Santos, but his brief spell at São Paulo is still remembered by many. After retiring, Pepe became a coach and sports commentator.
List of the 15 best left-wingers in São Paulo’s history
- Canhoteiro
- Zé Sérgio
- Denílson
- Serginho
- Sidnei
- Paraná
- Júlio César
- Everton
- Elivélton
- Michel Bastos
- Toninho
- Sávio
- Ronaldo Luís
- Gil
- Pepe
The list of the best left-backs in the history of São Paulo Futebol Clube highlights the wealth of talent that has always marked the club.
From Canhoteiro to Pepe, each player brought their own unique skills and contributed significantly to São Paulo’s success and glory.
These players not only won important titles, but also left a legacy of passion, technique and dedication that continues to inspire new generations of players and fans.
Looking back on the lives and achievements of these stars, one realizes the importance of each one of them in building São Paulo’s history.
Their stories are marked by challenges overcome, moments of brilliance and decisive contributions to the club.
It is a celebration of São Paulo’s glorious past and an encouragement for the club to continue to produce great players and achieve new victories.
We invite all soccer fans, and especially São Paulo fans, to explore more about these icons of the game.
The club’s history is full of incredible feats and unforgettable characters, and learning more about these left-backs is a way of valuing and keeping alive the memory of the footballing art that enchants us so much.
