1. Jaap Stam: "I played with him at AC Milan, and he’s the type of full-back we like in Holland, who likes to take the initiative to attack, but also comes back as quick as he can to defend. He’s a great person as well. He’s played for the national team, won trophies for the national team, and he’s been outstanding for years and years."
2. Michael Owen: "I played against Brazil a couple of times, and he and Roberto Carlos were just awesome. They changed the way full-backs played. People thought a full-back should just defend, but in today’s game it’s important for full-backs to be good on the ball as well, and Cafu led the way in this respect."
3. Denis Irwin: "What a nightmare to play against. The last thing you need is an overlapping full-back, creating two-versus-one situations against you. He’d bomb on for 90 minutes and wouldn’t give you a minute’s peace. Although Cafu was a fantastic attacking threat, he was also a very capable defender. Never seemed to age."
4. Andrea Pirlo: "Trend-setting in being one of the first truly great attacking full-backs. Excellent at getting forward, but very strong defensively as well."
Player Profile:💪🦵
👉Full Name: Marcos Evangelista de Moraes
👉Age: June 7, 1970 (54)
👉Position: Defender - Right-Back
👉Preferred Foot: Right
👉Place of Birth: São Paulo, Brazil
👉Citizenship: Brazilian.
Style of Play:⚽️🌟
Cafu revolutionized the role of the right-back, transforming it from a purely defensive position to one that required full-backs to be as dangerous in attack as they were solid at the back. His ability to sprint up and down the wing for the full 90 minutes became a nightmare for opposition teams, constantly creating two-on-one situations with his overlapping runs.
Cafu’s speed, stamina, and technical ability made him a dynamic presence in attack, while his defensive skills remained rock solid. One of Cafu’s most remarkable attributes was his balance between attacking prowess and defensive reliability.
He wasn't just an offensive threat; he had the tactical intelligence and positional awareness to read the game defensively, making crucial interceptions and tackles. His relentless work ethic, both offensively and defensively, set a new standard for full-backs in modern football.
Achievements: 🏆🥇
🏆FIFA World Cup: 1994, 2002 (2x)
🏆Copa América: 1997, 1999 (2x)
🏆UEFA Champions League: 2006-07
🏆FIFA Club World Cup: 2007
🏆Copa Libertadores: 1992, 1993 (2x)
🏆FIFA Confederations Cup: 1997
A Legend:
Cafu’s career not only changed how full-backs played but also set a benchmark for generations to come. His combination of energy, technical skill, and leadership made him one of the best right-backs in football history.
From winning two World Cups with Brazil to lifting the Champions League with AC Milan, Cafu's impact on football is legendary.