Corinthians Corinthians, a team founded in 1910, is one of the most traditional clubs in Brazilian soccer. Throughout its centenary history, several midfielders have stood out not only for their tactical and technical ability, but also for their commitment and passion for the club.
With that in mind, we’ve brought you another list, this time featuring the 20 best midfielders in Corinthians’ history. Get ready to learn about their main titles, career curiosities, life stories and more!
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The 20 best midfielders in Corinthians history: complete list
- Zé Maria
- Ralf
- Vampeta
- Paulinho
- Biro-Biro
- Sócrates
- Rivelino
- Dinei
- Biroliro
- Elias
- Biro
- Wilson Mano
- Clodoaldo
- Idário
- Tião
- Neco
- Goiano
- Guinei
- Nilton Santos
- Fábio Baiano
The 20 best midfielders in Corinthians’ history: find out more about them
1: Zé Maria
- Titles: Brazilian Championship (1977, 1979), Paulista Championship (1977, 1979, 1982, 1983)
- Team: Known as “Super Zé”, he played for Corinthians for over a decade, becoming one of the club’s greatest idols.
- Fun facts: Famous for his race and leadership on the pitch, Zé Maria was known for his versatility and marking ability.
2. Ralf
- Titles: Copa Libertadores (2012), Campeonato Brasileiro (2011, 2015), Campeonato Paulista (2013, 2017)
- Team: He joined Corinthians in 2010 and stood out for his defensive consistency and leadership on the pitch.
- Fun facts: Known as the “Watchdog”, Ralf was admired for his efficient marking and exemplary professionalism.
3. Vampeta
- Titles: Copa do Brasil (1995), Campeonato Paulista (1997, 1999)
- Team: One of Corinthians’ leaders in the 1990s, known for his technical ability and his ability to score important goals.
- Fun facts: He played a part in the club’s first national title in 1990 and was known for his charisma both on and off the pitch.
4. Paulinho
- Titles: Copa Libertadores (2012), Campeonato Brasileiro (2011, 2015), Campeonato Paulista (2013)
- Team: Arrived at Corinthians in 2010 and quickly became a key player in midfield, scoring decisive goals.
- Fun facts: Scored Corinthians’ World Cup winning goal in 2012 against Chelsea, earning him instant idol status.
5. Biro-Biro
- Titles: Brazilian Championship (1982, 1983), Paulista Championship (1977, 1979, 1982, 1983)
- Team: One of the symbols of Corinthian Democracy in the 1980s, he was known for his technical ability and speed.
- Fun facts: He had two outstanding spells at the club and is still remembered today as one of the great midfielders in Corinthians’ history.
6. Socrates
- Titles: Campeonato Paulista (1979, 1982, 1983)
- Team: Although best known as a midfielder, Sócrates also played as a midfielder for part of his career with Corinthians.
- Fun facts: In addition to his genius on the pitch, Sócrates was one of the leaders of the Corinthians Democracy, influencing sport and Brazilian society.
7. Rivelino
- Titles: Campeonato Paulista (1977)
- Team: Corinthians’ eternal idol, Rivelino was known for his elegance and precise passing.
- Fun facts: He began his career with Corinthians and, although he was best known as a midfielder, he also played in some matches as a midfielder.
8. Dinei
- Titles: Campeonato Paulista (1995)
- Team: He had some outstanding spells with Corinthians in the 1990s, playing with race and determination in midfield.
- Fun facts: He was known for his dedication on the pitch and his ability to score decisive goals at important moments.
9. Biroliro
- Titles: Brazilian Championship (1990)
- Team: A member of the team that won Corinthians’ first national title, he was a versatile midfield player.
- Fun facts: He was noted for his technical ability and his dedication to the club during his time with Timão.
10. Elias
- Titles: Campeonato Brasileiro (2011), Copa do Brasil (2009), Campeonato Paulista (2009)
- Team: Known for his physical and technical ability, he was a key part of Corinthians’ midfield during his time at the club.
- Fun facts: He has played a part in important moments in Corinthians’ recent history, including winning the Libertadores in 2012.
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11. Biro
- Titles: Campeonato Paulista (1977, 1979)
- Team: A member of Corinthians in the 1970s, he was known for his race and leadership on the pitch.
- Fun facts: He was part of some memorable Corinthians teams and is still remembered today as one of the great midfielders in the club’s history.
12. Wilson Mano
- Titles: Campeonato Paulista (1951)
- Team: One of Corinthians’ first great midfielders, he helped the club win important titles in the 50s.
- Fun facts: He was known for his marking ability and his loyalty to the club throughout his career.
13. Clodoaldo
- Titles: Campeonato Paulista (1977)
- Team: Although best known for his performances for Santos, Clodoaldo had a remarkable spell with Corinthians in the 70s.
- Fun facts: He won the São Paulo title with Timão and is remembered for his refined technique and quality off the ball.
14. Idário
- Titles: Campeonato Paulista (1954)
- Team: Another outstanding midfielder from the 1950s, Idário contributed to Corinthians’ triumphant history in that decade.
- Fun facts: He was known for his tactical discipline and his ability to organize the team’s midfield.
15. Tião
- Titles: Paulista Championship (1951)
- Team: He was part of the São Paulo champions in 1951, contributing with his defensive skills and positioning on the pitch.
- Fun facts: He was a player respected for his loyalty and dedication to Corinthians throughout his career.
16. Neco
- Titles: Campeonato Paulista (1914, 1916, 1922, 1923, 1924, 1928)
- Team: One of Corinthians’ first idols, Neco was one of the club’s founders and a legendary figure in Brazilian soccer.
- Fun facts: Despite his versatility, he also played as a midfielder on several occasions, contributing significantly to the club’s early achievements.
17. Goiano
- Titles: Copa do Brasil (1995), Campeonato Paulista (1995)
- Team: A member of the 90s team that won important titles, he was known for his efficient marking and his commitment to the club.
- Fun facts: He had a solid career with Corinthians and is remembered for his defensive consistency and loyalty to Timão.
18. Guinei
- Titles: Brazilian Championship (1990)
- Team: An important part of Corinthians’ midfield in the 1990s, he contributed to the club’s first Brazilian title.
- Fun facts: He was known for his physical strength and his ability to score decisive goals at crucial moments.
19. Nilton Santos
- Titles: Campeonato Paulista (1922, 1923, 1924, 1928)
- Team: One of Corinthians’ first great midfielders, Nilton Santos helped the club establish its hegemony in São Paulo soccer in the 20s and 30s.
- Fun facts: He was respected for his refined technique and his leadership skills on the pitch.
20. Fábio Baiano
- Titles: Campeonato Paulista (1997)
- Team: He had a brief but remarkable spell with Corinthians in the 1990s, helping them win the São Paulo title.
- Fun facts: He was known for his technical ability and his ability to create plays in midfield.
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The 20 best midfielders in Corinthians history: complete list
- Zé Maria
- Ralf
- Vampeta
- Paulinho
- Biro-Biro
- Socrates
- Rivelino
- Dinei
- Biroliro
- Elias
- Biro
- Wilson Mano
- Clodoaldo
- Idário
- Tião
- Neco
- Goiano
- Guinei
- Nilton Santos
- Fábio Baiano
So those are the 20 best midfielders in Corinthians’ history. If you liked this content, don’t forget to leave your comment below and keep following the site to stay up to date with the world of sports!
