Six stars who played for both São Paulo and Ponte Preta | OneFootball

Historic clubs from the state, São Paulo and Ponte Preta are experiencing distinct moments in 2026. After winning the Série C, the Macaca had its relegation confirmed in the Campeonato Paulista with two rounds to go. The Tricolor, on the other hand, is one of the leaders of the Brasileirão and is in a position to qualify for the quarter-finals of the State Championship.

While the present time is very different for the teams, the past unites the two teams with great athletes in common. Gazeta Esportiva has selected six players who played for both São Paulo and Ponte Preta. See below:

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Nelsinho Baptista

Nelsinho began his career in 1967, playing for Ponte Preta as a right-back. He stayed until 1971, when he moved to São Paulo. As a coach for Ponte, he achieved third place in the Paulista of 2001, the same year that Macaca had its best campaign in the Copa do Brasil: 3rd place.

Mineiro

Mineiro is known for being one of the greatest midfielders in Macaca's history. He played 99 games, scoring seven goals, won three Silver Balls (one while playing for Ponte), and had several call-ups to the Brazilian National Team. At São Paulo, he scored the winning goal in the world title match against Liverpool and was a Brazilian champion in 2006.

Mineiro, for São Paulo (Photo: Djalma Vassão/Gazeta Press)

Luis Fabiano

Discovered in Ponte's youth system, Luis Fabiano debuted professionally at 18, in 1998, against Santos. In 2000, he was transferred to Rennes, France, but joined São Paulo in 2001. After representing Brazil in the 2010 World Cup, he returned to Brazil in 2011, specifically to the Tricolor, where he stayed until 2015.

Luís Fabiano for São Paulo (Photo: Fernando Dantas/Gazeta Press)

José Oscar Bernardi

Alongside Dario Pereyra, José Oscar Bernardi formed one of the greatest defensive duos in São Paulo's history, helping the club win four Campeonato Paulista titles and one Brazilian Championship in seven years. He played for six years at Ponte Preta, from 1973 to 1979.

Leão and José Oscar Bernardi – Photo: Archive / Gazeta Press

Chicão

Another gem discovered in Ponte Preta's youth system. Chicão was a midfielder known for his strong presence and was called up for the 1978 World Cup in Argentina, where Brazil finished in 3rd place. He played for São Paulo between 1973 and 1979.

Washington

Washington had two stints at Ponte Preta. In 2001, he was the top scorer of the Paulistão (14 goals) and Copa do Brasil (12). For the National Team, he participated in the 2002 World Cup Qualifiers and played in the 2001 Confederations Cup. At São Paulo, the forward scored 45 goals in 86 matches, between 2009 and 2010.

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