Cafu

Cafu
Palácio do Planalto from Brasilia, Brasil · CC BY 2.0 · source
Name	Cafu
Full name	Marcos Evangelista de Morais
Birth date	1970-06-07
Birth place	São Paulo
Height	1.72 m
Position	Right back

Cafu (born Marcos Evangelista de Morais; 7 June 1970) is a retired Brazilian professional footballer widely regarded as one of the greatest right backs in the history of Association football. He earned acclaim for his attacking runs, stamina, and leadership, captaining Brazil to victory at the 2002 FIFA World Cup. Cafu's club career spanned major teams in Brazil, Italy, and Spain, and he remains influential in discussions about full‑back evolution and the role of wing‑backs in modern tactics.

Early life and youth career

Born in the Jardim Irene neighborhood of São Paulo, Cafu grew up during a period marked by social change in Brazil and the rise of street football culture in São Paulo (state). He began playing informally in local streets and small pitches before joining youth setups that fed talent into professional clubs such as SE Palmeiras and São Paulo FC. Early mentors included youth coaches connected to Esporte Clube Juventude and neighborhood figures who had ties to academies associated with Clube Atlético Juventus (São Paulo). His youth progression paralleled contemporaries who later featured for CR Flamengo and CR Vasco da Gama in state championships like the Campeonato Paulista.

Club career

Cafu's professional debut occurred with São Paulo FC, a club noted for its successful early 1990s era under coach Tele Santana, a period that produced continental success in competitions like the Copa Libertadores and the Intercontinental Cup. After breaking into the first team, Cafu transferred to AS Roma in Serie A where he played alongside figures from AC Milan, Juventus F.C., and Internazionale. His performances in Italy led to a high‑profile move to AC Milan, a club associated with managers such as Carlo Ancelotti and players like Paolo Maldini, Franco Baresi, and Kaká. At Milan he won domestic and continental honours including the UEFA Champions League and the Serie A title, competing in fixtures against rivals from FC Barcelona and Real Madrid CF in UEFA competitions. Cafu's club career also included a spell with Real Zaragoza in La Liga earlier in his European tenure. Throughout his club career he featured in matches held in stadiums like the Stadio San Siro, Estádio do Morumbi, and Estadio La Romareda, and participated in tournaments organized by governing bodies such as CONMEBOL and UEFA.

International career

Cafu made his senior international debut for the Brazil national football team and became a mainstay in squads managed by coaches including Carlos Alberto Parreira and Luiz Felipe Scolari. He was a member of Brazil squads that won the FIFA World Cup in 1994 and 2002, captaining the latter tournament's team in matches against opponents such as Germany national football team and Turkey national football team. Cafu also represented Brazil at multiple FIFA Confederations Cup tournaments and South American competitions organized by CONMEBOL including the Copa América. His international career featured clashes with notable players from teams like Argentina national football team, France national football team, and Italy national football team, and he earned appearances at consecutive World Cups, joining longevity figures such as Roger Milla and Lothar Matthäus in World Cup histories. Cafu's tournament leadership was recognized by football institutions including FIFA and media outlets such as France Football.

Playing style and legacy

Cafu revolutionized the right back role by combining offensive surges with defensive duties, influencing tactical evolutions associated with the rise of wing‑backs under managers like Arrigo Sacchi and Fabio Capello. Known for his pace, crossing ability, and recovery runs, he formed defensive units alongside teammates such as Roberto Carlos in full‑back comparisons and paired with midfielders from clubs like AFC Ajax and FC Bayern Munich in European competition. Analysts from outlets like BBC Sport, The Guardian, and L'Équipe have cited Cafu in lists of greatest defenders, alongside contemporaries including Cafu contemporaries placeholder? and historical figures like Giacinto Facchetti. His legacy persists in coaching circles at institutions such as UEFA coaching courses and at academies influenced by the training philosophies of São Paulo FC and Clube Atlético Mineiro. Statistically, Cafu amassed over 100 caps for Brazil and scored in major tournaments, features highlighted in record books maintained by FIFA.

Personal life and off-field activities

Off the pitch, Cafu has been involved in charitable work and social initiatives in Brazil, working with organizations linked to urban development in São Paulo and youth programs associated with former players from clubs like Fluminense FC and Botafogo. He established foundations and supported campaigns in partnership with international entities such as UNICEF and participated in testimonial matches with former professionals from AC Milan and AS Roma. Cafu's public profile intersected with media outlets including ESPN and Sky Sports, and he has been invited as a pundit and ambassador to events hosted by FIFA and CONMEBOL. Personal honors include national decorations from authorities in Brazil and recognition at ceremonies attended by dignitaries connected to institutions like Brazilian Football Confederation.

Category:Brazilian footballers Category:Association football fullbacks Category:AC Milan players Category:São Paulo FC players Category:Brazil international footballers