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One week on from the climax of the 2012 Brasileirão it is time to reflect on the stars of an enthralling competition. Attendances may not have been inspirational, but the season continued upon and upward trend for the domestic game. Another Brazilian side were crowned kings of the continent while the transfers of Diego Forlán and Clarence Seedorf also raised interest in the competition. There are a number of stories to be told: from the jubilation of Palmeiras' Copa do Brasil win to the despair of their relegation to second flight months later, the revival of Atlético Mineiro and Ronaldinho as after narrowly avoiding relegation in 2012 they became potential title challengers. Here, though, we chronicle the tales of the top XI individuals who served to make the campaign a memorable one for numerous fans.

Goalkeeper: Diego Cavalieri - Fluminense
There can be no over who the best keeper in the 2012 Brasileirão was. Diego Cavalieri provided Flu with a solid base from which to build their charge to the title. Just as Fred's goals propelled them up the league, as did a string of solid performances from the keeper. He displayed immense agility and composure, nowhere more so than in the Round 7 win over Náutico when he performed stop after stop for the most deserved clean sheet of the season.

Right-back: Marcos Rocha - Atlético Mineiro
Brilliant after joining from América-MG, Marcos Rocha made the spot on the right of the defence his own in his first season for Galo. He bombed forwards with electric pace and showed a decent standard of delivery week after week, often providing a devastating source on the counter attack. Though he may lack height, he is the archetypal Brazilian full-back and his impressive season has warranted interest from Europe and, according to Globo Esporte, most recently from Newcastle United.

Centre-back: Réver - Atlético Mineiro
A rock solid defender, Réver was consistently excellent at the heart of the Alvinegro defence. Almost impenetrable, the 27-year-old has developed a reputation as one of the most dependable defenders in the league. He also offers a threat in the opposing area, something which was borne out in his six goals for the season.

Centre-back: Gum - Fluminense
Almost an ever-present at the back for the champions, the towering Gum missed just four games in the season (two of which came after the title was won). He effectively marshalled the defence that conceded the joint-fewest goals in the season, and for that alone he deserves recognition. The Fluzão player hardly put a foot wrong in 2012.

Left-back: Carlinhos - Fluminense
It is perhaps predictable to have a back four made solidly up of players from the top two teams in the league, but Carlinhos has grown since making the position his own this season. His pace regularly offered relief to the defence when they most needed it and it also supplied much of Flu's width in the final third. Rarely beaten and did not neglect his defensive duties and beats Grêmio's Anderson Pico to the spot.

Defensive midfield: Paulinho - Corinthians
The 2011 champions were perhaps fortunate to hold onto Paulinho during the summer but the Club World Cup proved to be enough to convince him to ignore persistent interest from Inter. His dynamism in midfield made the Timão absurdly effective in the transition and he once again chipped in with an impressive seven goals. A regular in the Brazil squad in the latter days of Mano Menezes' reign, Corinthians may be forced to let him leave this winter.

Defensive midfield: Souza - Náutico
Not an obvious choice, but for his impact in a decent debut season for the Timbu Souza deserves praise. He provided the building blocks for some of the best moments at Aflitos and showed that he is capable of switching a game on its head. Be it from craft or from finishing, the set piece specialist was integral to a decent Série A season that pushed Náutico forward and kept their heads above water.

 

Attacking midfield: Bernard - Atlético Mineiro
The revelation of the season, Bernard looks to be a real gem of a player. He possesses pace that can be used in the wide areas and superb crossing ability to match. Also capable of drifting in field, he has proved to be a clinical finisher. Easily the most exciting player to watch last season but talk of a move to Europe is perhaps premature now that Copa Libertadores football is on the table. However, there is no doubt he will be a star across the Atlantic Ocean soon enough.

Attacking midfield: Elano - Grêmio
The former Manchester City midfielder enjoyed a renaissance after his move from Santos early in the season as he stepped into a key role for Vanderlei Luxemburgo's side. His ingenuity and passing ability blossomed behind a talented group of strikers which included Kléber, Marcelo Moreno and André Lima. His form may have tailed off towards the end of the season, but some real moments of brilliance ensure his spot in the team.

Attacking midfield: Ronaldinho - Atlético Mineiro
Reinvigorated by his move to Galo, Ronaldinho proved all the sceptics wrong with some magnificent displays for the Belo Horizonte side. The lethargic, arrogant player that sauntered around the Engenhão pitch seems a distant memory as the two-time World Player of the Year flourished in a more withdrawn role in Cuca's side. His experience served him well as an impressive return of goals and assists brought R49 as close to his best since he left Europe.

 

Striker: Fred - Fluminense
The best striker in Brazil over the past 18 months, Fred led the line for the champions superbly and ended the season as the tournament's highest scoring player with 20 goals in 28 appearances. Capable of poaching a goal, challenging in the air or even an acrobatic stunner, the Tricolor Carioca striker came into his own in 2012. It was fitting that he scored a late winner which clinched the championship for Fluminense.