Modesto de Souza (Pelotas, January 12, 1929 – Rio de Janeiro, September 12, 1998), known simply as Modesto, was a Brazilian footballer who played as a defender. He spent most of his career with Vasco da Gama, where he was a pillar of the celebrated "Expresso da Vitória," one of the strongest teams in the club's history. With the *Cruzmaltinos*, he won numerous titles, most notably several Campionati Carioca (1949, 1950, 1952, 1956) and the prestigious 1953 Copa Rio, considered a forerunner of the Intercontinental Cup. His performances earned him a call-up to the Brazilian national team, and he was part of the squad that participated in the 1954 World Cup in Switzerland. A rock-solid and reliable defender, he is remembered as one of the most representative full-backs of his era in Brazilian football, praised for his defensive solidity and marking ability. His name remains inextricably linked to an era of great success for football in Rio de Janeiro.