Cafu is the pendillon of modern football
When it comes to the best right-backs of the modern era, Cafu is always among the top contenders. What sets him apart isn’t just his speed, but also…durabilityConstantly running up and down the pitch, pressing, overlapping on the wing, and still managing to retreat to defend as if he were never out of breath. Statistics show Cafu played for Roma from 1997–2003 and AC Milan from 2003–2008, with a very large number of Serie A appearances for both clubs.
According to 90phut. The great thing is that Cafu isn’t the type to run just for fun. He runs to create tactical advantages: stretching the defensive block, opening up space for the midfield, and turning the right flank into the most stable attacking route.
His mark at AS Roma: accelerating, competing for titles and the 2001 Scudetto
Cafu arrived at Roma in 1997 and quickly became an icon on the right flank. His career statistics show he played 163 Serie A matches and scored 5 goals for Roma.
From the club’s perspective, AS Roma also highlighted that Cafu played 218 matches and scored 8 goals in all competitions before moving to Milan.
Xem thêm: Lịch thi đấu bóng đá tại 90phut.
Scudetto 2000–01: Roma’s moment of triumph
Cafu’s peak at Olimpico was winning the Serie A title that season.2000–01The list of titles by season shows that he won the Serie A title with Roma at the following milestones.00/01.
For Roma, this Scudetto means a great deal, and Cafu is the perfect example: tenacious, passionate, and tireless in maintaining the attacking tempo down the flanks throughout the season.
Cafu recipe in Rome
- High-speed overlapping runs: drawing opposing defenders to the flanks, creating space for attacking players in the half-space.
- Crossing and low passes early: getting the ball into the dangerous area before the defense has time to line up.
- Back to the right rhythm: Roma play attacking football but cannot afford to leave any gaps on the flanks.
Conquering with AC Milan: more mature, but still classy
Leaving Roma, Cafu joined AC Milan and moved to an environment that demanded discipline, big-match experience, and European expertise. His Serie A statistics for Milan are:119 matches, 4 goals.
AC Milan also refers to this period as a journey of conquering major goals, especially the Champions League.
Scudetto 2003–04: The title came right away
Cafu won the Serie A title with Milan that season.03/04That’s the kind of approach that involves coming in and making a difference.
What’s remarkable is that at Milan, he doesn’t need to play as wildly as he did at Roma. He’s more mature, chooses when to push forward more effectively, but still maintains an intensity that makes it difficult for opponents to breathe.
Champions League 2007: The European dream fulfilled
AC Milan acknowledges that the Champions League was the major trophy Cafu craved, and he has now achieved it.23/5/2007before winning the FIFA Club World Cup with the team a few months later.
For a full-back, the Champions League is more than just a trophy; it’s a testament to their character on the toughest stage.
Why is Cafu called the legendary right winger?
Physical fitness and tactical discipline
Cafu can contribute to both attack and defense for 90 minutes while maintaining the quality of his play. This makes him the engine of the system: the team can change the tempo, switch phases quickly, or press down the flanks without fear of being short of players.
Smart positioning strategy
He doesn’t run aimlessly. He often runs to draw defenders away, or to create clear passing lanes, making it easier for teammates to build up play and reducing the risk of losing possession on the flanks.
The symbolism of the winner
During his Italian stint alone, Cafu won Serie A with Roma in 2000/01 and Milan in 2003/04, plus the 2007 Champions League in his Milan collection.
That’s why his journey with AS Roma and AC Milan is always remembered as a title-winning route.
Conclude
Cafu is the kind of right-back that modern football should learn a lesson from:speed is justThat’s the starting point, but class lies in perseverance and making the right decisions at the right time. From Roma with the 2001 Scudetto to Milan with the 2004 Scudetto and the 2007 Champions League triumph, he conquered in a very Cafu way: running a lot, running correctly, and running to win.
