With the unprecedented Copa do Brasil title won this Sunday, against Flamengo, at Morumbi, some Sao Paulo players have gained credibility as club idols. While some had already lifted the Campeonato Paulista trophy in 2021, others were anxiously awaiting the opportunity to finally shout “he’s a champion” in the tricolor jersey.
It is true that the 2021 São Paulo title put an end to a São Paulo queue that lasted more than eight years, but the fact that it is a state championship, which today has much less prestige than other competitions, in addition to the fact that stadiums are closed due to the pandemic, the importance of this achievement has slightly diminished.
For this reason, fundamental names for San Paolo’s 22nd title, such as Luan and Luciano, authors of the team’s goals in the Morumbi final, despite enjoying the affection of the fans, are not considered absolute idols of the club.
Now, however, Luciano and some other players are considered idols by most fans. Names such as Calleri, Arboleda and Rafinha, long praised by Sao Paulo fans, have gained a new status in the club’s history, as has Rodrigo Nestor, decisive both in Rio de Janeiro and in the capital of Sao Paulo. Lucas Moura, in turn, has done nothing but reinforce what he represents for Tricolor.
Luca Moura
The young man who revealed himself in Cotia left San Paolo in 2012, saying goodbye with the unprecedented title of the Copa Sudamericano and even lifting the cup together with the then captain Rogério Ceni, who insisted on giving this honor to what was at the time a great promise of Brazilian football.
Lucas Moura has never denied his desire to return to Sao Paulo one day. As fate would have it, ten years later and consistent experience in European football, the number 7 returned to Morumbi to once again win an unprecedented title for the club.
Lucas has signed a contract with San Paolo that is valid only until the end of 2023. It is more likely that the player will decide to return to play abroad next year, taking advantage of the last opportunity to sign a financially advantageous contract in his career. However, the possibility of competing in the Libertadores for his favorite club in 2024 may speak louder.
The fact is, regardless of Lucas Moura’s decision for next season, his idolatry is undeniable. Two very important titles were won by San Paolo with the striker on the pitch. The fans will not forget.
Calleri
Calleri is perhaps the player who most deserves this recognition for everything he offers on the pitch. The number 9, who returned to San Paolo in 2021 after a brief spell in the first half of 2016, was anxiously awaiting a title for the club, and it couldn’t have arrived in a more special way.
In 2016, Calleri helped lead São Paulo to the semi-finals of the Copa Libertadores, losing to Atlético Nacional of Colombia, who would become champions that year. His excellent performance with the Tricolore shirt meant that the Argentine immediately won the sympathy of the fans, earning him a song – “Hey, hit Calleri, this is a goal” – and starting to fondly consider a future return to Morumbi club.
It took years, but Calleri returned to wear the San Paolo shirt and, since then, he has been fundamental regardless of the coach who was on the sidelines. And when he was needed most, he showed up. The number 9 was responsible for São Paulo’s 1-0 victory over Flamengo in the first decisive match, at the Maracanã, opening the scoring at the end of the first half. The Argentine is also the Tricolore’s top scorer in the current season, with XX goals.
Luciano
Luciano is also the reason for the chants of the San Paolo fans. In the Copa do Brasil final, against Flamengo, the Italian number 10 had to bear the reserve, but was used in both the first leg and the second leg, helping the team keep their rivals at bay to confirm the unprecedented title of the tournament .
Luciano had already been decisive in the 2021 Campeonato Paulista final, scoring São Paulo’s second goal in the 2-0 win over Palmeiras, at Morumbi, but he needed a more significant title to consolidate his victorious history at Morumbi.
In the current season, Luciano is the player who participates most in San Paolo’s goals. In addition to being the team’s second top scorer, with ten balls in the net, the forward also has eight assists, appearing as the main “waiter” alongside Wellington Rato.
Arboleda
Player of the longest-serving squad, Arboleda has played for San Paolo since 2017. The defender has experienced all the best moments in the club’s recent history, he lived with the risk of relegation in some of those seasons, he fought for the title in others , but I got used to “hitting the beam”. Now, however, the Ecuadorian has many reasons to celebrate.
A sculpted figure in the squad of the Ecuadorian national team, Arboleda played in the World Cup in Qatar last year but, despite being champion of San Paolo in 2021, like Luciano, he still needed an important title to immortalize himself in the history of San Paolo Paolo.
Arboleda had an impeccable performance throughout the Tricolor season in this Copa do Brasil. Against Flamengo the defender left no room for error, undermining the powerful rival attack made up of Bruno Henrique, Gabigol and Pedro.
Nestor
Discovered by Sao Paulo’s youth team, the young midfielder struggled at the club after being promoted to the professional ranks. Harshly criticized on several occasions, especially when the team was not doing well, Rodrigo Nestor redeemed himself in the two matches of the Copa do Brasil final, proving decisive both in Rio de Janeiro and in the capital Sao Paulo.
It was Rodrigo Nestor who gave Calleri the pass to score the goal in San Paolo’s 1-0 win over Flamengo at the Maracanã. This Sunday, at Morumbi, the midfielder made club history by scoring a beautiful goal that tied the match for the Tricolor, after Rubro-Negro del Rio had opened the scoring.
It is therefore no exaggeration to consider Rodrigo Nestor a club idol. For everything he did in this Brazilian Cup final, for everything he endured when things didn’t go as planned in recent years and for all his donations on the pitch, the number 11 deserves recognition.
Rafinha
At 38, Rafinha has managed to realize his dream of winning a title with his favorite team. The veteran right back has shown professionalism to remain at a high level and be able to compete with rivals who are younger, faster and have all the potential to cause real damage to the San Paolo defence.
Rafinha is an example for the many young people who make up the San Paolo squad. In addition to all the difference he made on the pitch, even at his advanced age, the right-back was also crucial outside the four lines, being an important leader in the dressing room to lead this team to an unprecedented title.
With a contract only until the end of the current season, Rafinha knows he is living out the final moments of his career. The right back intends to play another year. It remains to be seen whether he will renew his relationship with San Paolo or take new directions.
Source: Terra
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