Botafogo de Futebol e Regatas is one of Brazil’s most traditional clubs, known for unearthing great talents and having historic players in its squad. Among these stars are the midfielders, who have been instrumental in several of the club’s achievements. In this article, we’ll explore the careers, titles, most important moments and curiosities of the 10 best defensive midfielders in Botafogo’s history.
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Best midfielders in Botafogo’s history
1. Didi
Waldyr Pereira, better known as Didi, was born on October 8, 1928, in Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro.
Didi is considered one of the best midfielders in the history of Botafogo and world soccer, famous for his refined technique and the “folha seca”, a shot that revolutionized soccer.
Titles for Botafogo
- Rio-São Paulo Tournament: 1962, 1964
- Rio-São Paulo State Champions Cup: 1961
- Carioca Championship: 1957, 1961, 1962
- Carioca Championship Early Tournament: 1961, 1962, 1963
- Cidade de Córdoba Cup: 1956
- Efficiency Cup: 1960, 1961, 1962
- Leader’s Cup: 1962
- Paris Tournament: 1963
- Governador Magalhães Pinto Tournament: 1964
- Ibero-American Tournament: 1964
- Mexico City International Tournament: 1962
- Colombia International Tournament: 1960
- João Teixeira de Carvalho Tournament: 1958
- La Paz Football Association Golden Jubilee Tournament: 1964
- Suriname Quadrangular Tournament: 1964
- Costa Rica Triangular Tournament: 1961
Didi was instrumental in winning the 1957 Campeonato Carioca, which ended the club’s nine-year losing streak.
He also shone in the Rio-São Paulo Tournament campaigns of 1962 and 1964, being one of the team’s technical leaders.
Curiosities
- Didi was voted the best player at the 1958 World Cup.
- He had successful spells at Real Madrid and Fluminense, as well as being a legend at Botafogo.
2. Paulo César Caju
Paulo César Lima, known as Paulo César Caju, was born on June 16, 1949, in Rio de Janeiro. Caju was one of the best midfielders in Botafogo’s history, known for his skill and versatility.
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
Caju was one of Botafogo’s highlights when they won the 1967 and 1968 Carioca Championships, forming a lethal duo with Gérson.
His ability to create plays and score decisive goals was crucial to the team’s success.
Curiosities
- Caju was part of the Brazilian team that won the 1970 World Cup.
- He played for clubs such as Flamengo, Grêmio and Olympique de Marseille.
3. Ricardo Rogério de Brito “Alemão”
Ricardo Rogério de Brito, known as Alemão, was born on November 22, 1961 in Lavras, Minas Gerais. Alemão was an outstanding midfielder in the 80s and 90s, known for his strong marking and good passing.
Titles for Botafogo
- Carioca Championship: 1989
Alemão was one of the pillars of the Botafogo midfield in the 1989 Carioca Championship campaign, which marked the end of a long run of state titles for the club.
Curiosities
- Alemão played in Europe for clubs such as Atlético de Madrid and Napoli, where he was Diego Maradona’s teammate.
- He also had a successful career with the Brazilian national team, playing in the 1986 and 1990 World Cups.
4. Gérson “Canhotinha de Ouro”
Gérson de Oliveira Nunes was born on January 11, 1941, in Niterói, Rio de Janeiro. He is considered one of the best midfielders of all time, famous for his precise passing and vision.
Titles for Botafogo
- Brazilian Championship: 1968
- Rio-São Paulo Tournament: 1964, 1966
- Carioca Championship: 1967, 1968
- Guanabara Cup: 1967, 1968
- Carioca Championship Start Tournament: 1967
- Suriname Quadrangular Tournament: 1964
- Buenos Aires Carranza Cup: 1966
- Círculo de Periódicos Esportivos Cup: 1966, 1967
- Mexico Hexagonal Tournament: 1968
- Caracas Triangular Trophy: 1967, 1968
Gérson was the mastermind of the Botafogo team that won the Brazilian Championship in 1968, as well as the Carioca Championships in 1967 and 1968.
His ability to distribute the game and organize the midfield made him an eternal idol of the club.
Curiosities
- Gérson was one of the stars of the Brazilian team that won the 1970 World Cup.
- After retiring, he became a well-respected soccer commentator.
5. José Mário de Almeida Barros “Zé Mário”
José Mário de Almeida Barros, known as Zé Mário, was born on January 1, 1949, in Rio de Janeiro. He is remembered as a skillful and intelligent midfielder with excellent vision.
Zé Mário was one of Botafogo’s main players when they won the Caracas Tournament in 1971, where the club beat internationally renowned teams.
Curiosities
- Zé Mário has also had a successful career as a coach, managing several Brazilian and international clubs.
- He is respected for his ability to lead and guide young players.
6. Milton da Cunha Mendonça
Milton da Cunha Mendonça, born on May 14, 1956 in Rio de Janeiro, is one of the best midfielders in Botafogo’s history.
He began his career at the club itself and had notable spells with other teams.
Titles for Botafogo
- Carioca Championship: 1989
Mendonça was one of Botafogo’s leaders in the historic 1989 Carioca Championship, which ended a 21-year run without state titles. His skill and experience were fundamental to the team’s success.
Curiosities
- Mendonça is remembered for his accurate passing and leadership skills on the pitch.
- After retiring, he had a career as a soccer commentator and coach.
7. Wilson Gottardo
Wilson Roberto Gottardo, born on May 23, 1963 in Santa Bárbara d’Oeste, is one of the best defenders in Botafogo’s history. However, he also played in several games as a midfielder, becoming known for his versatility in this position as well.
Cle began his career at Americano de Campos and played for clubs such as Flamengo and Cruzeiro before joining Botafogo.
Titles for Botafogo
- Palma de Mallorca City Trophy: 1988
- Veracruz Friendship Tournament: 1990
- Carioca Championship: 1989, 1990
- Rio Cup: 1989
- Cidade Maravilhosa Cup: 1996
- Brazilian Championship: 1995
- Capital Tournament: 1995
- Teresa Herrera Cup: 1996
- Nippon Ham Cup: 1996
- President of Russia Tournament: 1996
- Rio-Brasília Cup: 1996
Gottardo was one of the pillars of Botafogo’s defense during the 1989 Carioca Championship, which ended a 21-year run without state titles. He also captained the team to the Conmebol Cup in 1993.
Curiosities
- In addition to his playing career, Gottardo had a spell as a coach, including at Botafogo itself.
- He is remembered for his leadership and ability to organize the defence.
8. Garrincha
Manuel Francisco dos Santos, better known as Garrincha, was born on October 28, 1933 in Pau Grande, Rio de Janeiro. Considered one of the greatest footballers of all time, Garrincha was an extraordinary winger, but also played as a midfielder on occasions.
Titles for Botafogo
- Rio-São Paulo Tournament: 1962 and 1964
- Rio-São Paulo State Champions Cup: 1961
- Carioca Championship: 1957, 1961 and 1962
- Carioca Championship Tournament: 1961, 1962 and 1963
Garrincha shone brightly in the Carioca Championships and the Rio-São Paulo Tournaments, being one of the main players responsible for Botafogo’s titles in the 50s and 60s.
Curiosities
- Garrincha is world famous for his dribbling skills and for being a two-time world champion with the Brazilian national team (1958 and 1962).
- Despite facing personal problems and injuries, his genius on the pitch is still remembered today.
9. Nilton Santos
Nilton dos Santos, born on May 16, 1925 in Rio de Janeiro, is widely regarded as one of the greatest defenders and left-backs of all time, but also for his versatility, masterfully occupying different positions, including that of midfielder.
Known as the “Encyclopedia of Football” for his tactical knowledge and skill, Nilton spent his entire career at Botafogo.
Titles for Botafogo
- Rio-São Paulo Tournament: 1962 and 1964
- Carioca Championship: 1948, 1957, 1961 and 1962
- Carioca Championship Early Tournament: 1961, 1962 and 1963
- Rio de Janeiro Municipal Football Tournament: 1951
- Rio-São Paulo State Champions Cup: 1961
- Governador Magalhães Pinto Tournament: 1964
- 1951 Porto Alegre Triangular Tournament
- Colombia International Tournament: 1960
- Costa Rica International Tournament: 1961
- Mexico Pentagonal Tournament: 1962
- Paris Tournament: 1963
- La Paz Football Association Golden Jubilee Tournament: 1964
- Panamaribo Cup: 1964
- Most Important Moments
Nilton Santos was instrumental in winning the Rio de Janeiro championships and the Rio-São Paulo Tournament.
His presence in defense was synonymous with security and support for the attack. He also shone for the Brazilian national team, winning the 1958 and 1962 World Cups.
Curiosities
- Currently the name of Botafogo’s stadium.
- Considered one of the greatest defenders in the history of world soccer.
- His loyalty to Botafogo is legendary, having played for the club for 16 years.
- After his retirement, Nilton Santos continued to contribute to soccer as a commentator and in social projects.
10. José Ferreira Franco “Zequinha”
José Ferreira Franco, known as Zequinha, was born on April 18, 1946 in Rio de Janeiro. Zequinha was a midfielder known for his determination, marking skills and quality passing.
His combativeness and tactical intelligence helped him become one of the best midfielders in Botafogo’s history.
Curiosities
- Zequinha also had a remarkable spell at São Paulo, where he won several titles.
- He is remembered for his leadership and dedication on the pitch.
The midfielders mentioned in this article are more than just players; they are true icons of Botafogo and world soccer.
Their contributions on and off the pitch have helped build the club’s rich history and inspired generations of fans and athletes.
List of the 10 best midfielders in Botafogo’s history
Here’s a list of the best midfielders in Botafogo’s history:
- Didi
- Paulo César Caju
- Ricardo Rogério de Brito “Alemão”
- Gérson “Canhotinha de Ouro”
- José Mário de Almeida Barros “Zé Mário”
- Milton da Cunha Mendonça
- Wilson Gottardo
- Garrincha
- Nilton Santos
- José Ferreira Franco “Zequinha”
This article seeks to pay tribute to the memory and achievements of these great midfielders who made a difference at Botafogo.
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