Fantasy Brasileiro Campeonato football has the potential to be the most entertaining type of fantasy sports event of 2025. We all know it. We all welcome it.
But with so much talk of great goals, incredible dribbles and pure skill, have you decided who will rack up points by defending your fantasy team from conceding goals?
Here is a list of the best cartola defenders for 2025. These are players whose real life performances make them great additions for your fantasy football teams, regardless of your playing style.
All Brasileiro fantasy football is available for free in FootballCoin. Sign up and get your team ready!
Top 10 Defenders for Fantasy Brasileiro Campeonato Football in 2025
10. Cédric Soares (São Paulo)
Fans are always excited about seeing a big star. Cédric Soares, having played so many years in the Premier League or in the Portuguese Primeira Liga, will be greeted as a star in 2025.
It’s an astounding amount of experience that the 33-year-old is bringing to São Paulo, and you may want to take notice as well.
9. David Luiz (Fortaleza)
David Luiz used his time playing in Europe to become one of the most famous defenders on the continent. But, thankfully, he has brought back to Brazil some of that fighting spirit.
Luiz has just signed with the Northern Brazilian team Fortaleza, which impressed last season. Is this a perfect match? Have your fantasy football choice be the thing that decides this.
8. Thiago Silva (Fluminense)
Thiago Silva is one of the great leaders in Brazilian football. He’s also a powerful inspiration to young footballers who might consider giving up. Silva faced many challenges early on in his career. The experienced defender still welcomes them.
Sure, Silva is a more expensive transfer proposition. But this may be precisely what your team needs.
7. Alex Telles (Botafogo)
Just a few years ago, Alex Telles was touted as one of the most talented wingbacks in the world. Certainly, fans of Brazilian champions Botafogo still think that this is the case.
Telles’s style is very much the same as it was back at Benfica or Manchester United. He’s a consistent attacking threat, makes good passes, and defends very little. It’s not a choice for the faint of heart.
6. Danilo (Flamengo)
For many years, Danilo was one of Brazil’s best defenders. That’s why he earned 65 caps for the national team. And that’s why he got to play for Manchester City, Real Madrid, or Juventus.
Danilo is back in Brazil, and there’s a sense of excitement about his move to Flamengo. Fans of FC Santos, his previous club, are the only ones unhappy with this deal. But is Danilo worth transferring for your Brazilian fantasy football team?
5. Lucas Barbosa (Red Bull Bragantino)
Some players rarely need to dive in a tackle. They know exactly where the ball is going to go. And, they know the precise moment when they’ll need to make the block.
That’s the kind of player that Lucas Barbosa has proven to be. His strong performances for Juventude have earned him a big-money move to the corporate-endorsed Red Bull Bragantino who have acquired a very good defender. Will you do the same for your fantasy football team?
4. Paulo Henrique (Vasco da Gama)
Paulo Henrique is an old-fashioned full-back. His priority is to stop attacks by getting the balls through any means necessary. In 2024, Henrique brought fantasy football managers points by being one of the best tacklers in the Campeonato.
No, don’t expect too many attacks down the flanks. Henrique focuses on doing his defensive duties well. And that might just be enough to warrant his selection.
3. Alexandro Bernabei (Internacional)
Alexandro Bernabei always looked like a player with great potential, which is why Scottish giants Celtic Glasgow were so anxious to sign him. However, since returning to South America, Bernabei has really shone.
Internacional has in Bernabei a defender who can score the goals and provide assists. And while he’s not yet a top tackler, Bernabei’s tactical awareness makes him an ace when it comes to intercepting the ball in potentially dangerous areas.
2. William (Cruzeiro)
William, playing for Cruzeiro, is an exceptional defender. Just look at those stats! He looks great when it comes to interceptions and blocks. And, no other defender makes more important tackles than William, a defender who can go after the top dribblers.
Furthermore, William is known to take his chances and shoot on target when the opportunity arises. This is a very good defender to have on your team.
1. Gregore (Botafogo)
There’s no denying that Gregore is one of the best Brazilian defenders playing football today. He’s comfortable on the ball and able to pick out a pass.
He’s hard to defeat in aerial duels, and strikers have little hope of getting past him. In fact, last season he made the most successful tackles out of any fantasy football Brasileiro defender.
There’s no room for negotiation. Gregore is a defender that you’ll want on your fantasy football team!
