Top 21 Brazilian Football (Soccer) players

Ronaldinho Gaúcho by Alex Carvalho from Wikimedia Commons

Top 21 Brazilian Football (Soccer) players

Brazil has lived up to its reputation as the top-ranked team in world football. They defeated teams in the FIFA World Cup 2022 including, Serbia and Switzerland in the group stage before surprisingly losing to Cameroon in their last group match. 

Brazil then played Croatia in the quarter-finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup. In the pulsating match, the Samba boys who were considered favourites looked overwhelmed to the surprise of many fans. Croatia was resilient in the 90 minutes, keeping Brazil out of their goal.

After a goalless draw in regular time, Brazil managed to produce some magic moments in the extra time leading to a magnificent strike from Neymar that went past the Croatian goalkeeper to put them ahead. With the game heading for a win for the Brazilians in the dying minutes, a defective strike from Bruno Petkovic sent the game to penalties. Eventually, Brazil failed to convert all their penalties and was defeated 4-2 crushing out of the tournament.

It will be remembered that they used all 26 players at the Qatar World Cup. In the game against South Korea, they even gave their outstanding goalkeeper Alisson 10 minutes off to give a chance to the third-choice goalkeeper, Weverton to play. In their last match, they dedicated the win to the ill Pele as they paraded a giant banner at the final whistle bearing the 82-year-old’s name.

Despite their exit from the World Cup in the quarter-finals, fans will nostalgically hold on to the memories of their appearance. The unique jig that they performed after scoring each goal, Richarlison’s impressive bicycle kick goal and the beautiful Samba Football playing style.

Take a look at our list of the Top 21 Brazilian Football Players and know why they remain the World’s favourite.

1. Pele

Pele by Post of Ajman .Wikimedia Commons

He is undoubtedly the best player in all football history! Brazilian football is synonymous with this great legend.

He was born on October 23rd, 1940 in Minas Gerais, Brazil. He began playing for Santos at age 15, and the full national team at age 16. He is widely regarded as one of the best players of all time, having been voted World Player of the Century in 1999, and FIFA Player of the Century. He was also selected the Athlete of the Century by the IOC in 1999.

Pele is the most successful scorer in any domestic league, scoring 650 goals in 694 league matches – scoring 1281 goals in 1363 games. He won three World Cups and is the only player to ever do so. He was perhaps the most clinical and efficient striker to ever play the game, averaging almost a goal per game throughout his entire career.

2. Cafu

Cafu By Sergio Savarese. Wikimedia Commons

No one can discuss Brazilian football without mentioning Cafu!

Cafu was born on June 7th 1970 in Itaquaquecetuba, Brazil. He attended a football academy from a young age but was unfortunately rejected from some of the local youth teams. The Sao Paulo youth coach, Tele Santana, became Cafu’s mentor during the 80s to help him develop as a player and gain recognition.

Santana suggested Cafu move from wingback to midfield, which ultimately helped him be seen by various sides, and caused his game to raise tremendously. In 1994, he won South American Footballer of the Year. In 1996, Cafu signed with Roma, where they won the Supercoppa Italiana. He then moved to Milan, where he won his second Scudetto in 2004. He stayed with Milan until 2008, after signing a four-year extension.

During his time at A.C. Milan, he won a UEFA Supercup, a FIFA Club World Cup, and Champions League. He is a member of the A.C. Milan Hall of Fame and is widely known for his energetic demeanor, dynamic movement, and incredible speed.

3. Garrincha

Santos Garrincha  By El Gráfico. Wikimedia Commons

Garrincha was born on October 28th, 1933 in Mage, Brazil. He first signed to be a professional player after he was married, at age 18, for the club Botafogo. He helped the club win the Campeonato Carioca in 1957 with his 20-goal-season. Garrincha spent the majority of his career playing for Botafogo, scoring 232 goals in 581 matches, and has become a part of the history of the club.

Garrincha played 50 matches for the Brazilian national team between 1955-1966 and was a starter in most of the games he played in. He became the first player to win the Golden Ball, Golden Boot, and the World Cup all within the same tournament in 1962. He was a member of the World Team of the 20th Century and was included in the Brazilian Football Hall of Fame.

4. Zico

Zico By Doha Stadium Plus. Creative Commons

Zico was born in 1953 to a lower-middle-class family in Rio de Janeiro. He began playing for a local futsal team in the street, Juventude, run by his older siblings. At 14 years old, he had a trial for a certain tea, but scored 9 goals and caught the eye of a Flamengo supporter, who suggested he trial there instead. The rest is history.

During his time at Flamengo, Zico was a key player during a successful period in the team’s history. The team won the 1981 Copa Libertadores, the Intercontinental Cup, and four national titles. Due to his success here, he moved to Italy to play for Udinese. Despite playing incredibly well and taking world-famous free kicks, the season didn’t go well for the team. Even so, the fans consider him one of the best to have ever played for Udinese.

Zico moved back to Flamengo, but unfortunately suffered a severe knee injury that sidelined him for many months. A few months later, he played his last match for Flamengo, having played 731 games and scoring 508 goals in those appearances.

Zico was a dynamic attacking midfielder who had the tenacity and knowledge to play in various other positions. He as a playmaker with a small physique, who was creative with both feet, highly skilled, and had an excellent vision on the field.

5. Romario

Romario by Agência Senado.Wikimedia Commons

Romario was born on January 29th 1966 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. He started his career very early in Brazil and later moved to PSV Eindhoven in the Netherlands when he was 22. During his five seasons here, the club was the Eredivisie champions three times due to his goal-scoring and play-making. He scored 165 goals in just 167 appearances, averaging almost a goal per game.

After his stint at PSV, he moved to FC Barcelona, where he finished the top goalscorer in La Liga in his first season, scoring 30 goals in 33 matches. During the later portion of his career, he played for clubs within his home city of Rio de Janeiro. He helped propel CR Vasco de Gama to a Brazilian league title in 2000. During the last few years of his career, he also played in the US at Miami FC, Australia at Adelaide United, and Vasco da Gama, his first-ever team.

He was known for being extremely quick over short distances, clinical finishing, and being the fourth-highest goal scorer for the Brazilian national team.

6. Socrates

Socrates By Foto U. Dettmar. CC Commons

Socrates was born on February 19th, 1954 in Belem, Brazil. He began playing professionally when he was 20 years old for Botafogo-SP. Although this is where he started his career, he spent the majority of his time with Corinthians, where he played 297 games and scored 172 goals.

Socrates played abroad, for his first-time ever, in the 1984-85 season for Fiorentina. After playing for one season, he returned to his home country and represented three more clubs before retiring in 1989. He was capped 60 times for the Brazilian national team during his playing career, where he scored 22 goals.

Socrates is known for being talented and technical on the ball, with precise long passes, incredible vision, and extreme physical strength.

7. Jairzinho

Jairzinho 1974 .By Mieremet, Rob . CC Commons

Jairzinho was born on December 25th, 1944 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. He made his professional debut with Botafogo, his local club, at the age of 15. He started as a left-winger, but made a switch to a right-winger, where he would play most of his career.

He made his international debut at just 19-years-old in 1964 in a match against Portugal. He played in the 1970 FIFA World Cup in Mexico, where he flourished, scoring in every game. He scored two more goals in the 1974 World Cup, which would ultimately be his last, capping off his international career with 33 goals in 81 games.

Jairzinho ended his career playing for Portuguesa in Venezuela, where he helped propel the team to a stellar record of 16 wins on the season. He was known for being a quick and skilful right-winger who had an impeccable nose for the goal.

8. Nilton Santos

Nilton Santos 204 . By Rose Brasil . Creative Commons 

Nilton was born on May 16th, 1925 in Rio de Janeiro. He primarily played as a wingback, and was a member of the squad that won the 1958 and 1962 World Cups. Santos is widely regarded as one of the best defenders to ever play the game and was named a part of the World Team of the 20th Century.

He played his entire senior career at Botafogo, making 723 appearances for the club. He also made 75 appearances for the Brazilian national team between 1949-1962.

9. Ronaldo

Ronaldo  By Antônio Cruz. Creative Commons

Ronaldo was born on September 18th, 1976 in Rio de Janeiro. He started his career at Cruzeiro in Barro Preto, Brazil, and later moved to PSV in 1994. Here he gained the FIFA World Player of the Year award – at just 20 years old, making him the youngest player to win the award.

Next season, he joined Barcelona for a world-record fee at the time of $19.5 million. He scored 47 goals in 49 games, leading the side to the UEFA Cup win and winning the La Liga top scorer award. After issues with renegotiating his contract, he moved to Inter Milan for the next season, where they bought him for a new world record fee of $27 million.

Ronaldo finished the season with 25 goals and was named Serie A Footballer of the Year. After a stellar first two seasons, he succumbed to injury for the rest of his Inter career. He signed for Real Madrid for almost $47 million in 2002, where he scored incredible goals during his career. Unfortunately during his final two seasons, he struggled with injuries and weight-gain issues, causing the manager to question his desire.

Real Madrid traded Ronaldo to A.C. Milan in 2007, where he only played as a substitute and had recurring injuries. He signed a one-year deal with Corinthians in 2009 and retired from football in 2011 after Corinthians were eliminated from the Copa Libertadores.

10. Ronaldhino

Ronaldinho Gaucho by Alex Carvalho from Wikimedia Commons

Born on March 21st 1980 in Porto Alegre, Ronaldinho was born as Ronaldo de Assis Moreira. His mother was a former salesperson and his father was a footballer for their local club, Esporte Clube Cruzeiro. Ronaldo’s own footballing skills started to take off at a young age, when he would play against the older kids during local matches, gaining him the infamous nickname – Ronaldhino.

Ronaldinho’s club career began with a local youth squad, Gremio. He debuted at the senior level in 1998 during the Copa Libertadores, where he scored 23 goals in 48 matches as an 18-year-old. In 200`, Arsenal showed interest in the young talent, but he couldn’t obtain a work permit since he hadn’t played enough international games. However, his break came the same year when Paris saint-Germain signed him to a five-year contract for over $5 million in transfer fees.

He varied between a starter and a sub on the bench during his first year here but was impressed by scoring four goals in four games after the winter break. He continued playing well in his second season but ultimately signed for Barcelona the next year for a whopping $30 million deal.

He peaked, some would say, in his 2004-2005 season, winning his first league title, being named FIFA World Player of the Year, and winning FIFPro World Player of the Year. The seasons between 2004-2006 were the best of his career, where he played an instrumental role in capturing Barcelona’s first Champions League title in almost 15 years.

After these few amazing seasons, he started to decline physically and psychologically during the 2007 season, where injuries and a lack of desire caused him to be out of top form. He signed for A.C. Milan in 2008 and played there for two seasons. He switched to Flamengo in 2011, Atletico Miniero in 2012, Queretaro in 2014, Fluminense in 2015, and ultimately retired in 2018.

Known for his dazzling twisting and turning on the pitch,  internationally he played 97 games for Brazil, scoring 33 goals. It should be remembered that he represented his country in two FIFA World Cups. Most notable was his role in the 2002 FIFA World Cup-winning team, playing alongside Ronaldo and Rivaldo, probably the best attacking trio in the world up to today. He was later named to the FIFA World Cup All-Star Team.

Possibly the most prolific Brazilian footballer to ever exist, Ronaldhino played on various teams, scored key goals in crucial tournaments, and wowed millions of viewers with his creative and technical playing style.

11. Neymar

Neymar by Alex Carvalho from Wikimedia Commons

Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior (born 5 February 1992), popularly known as Neymar plays as a forward for Ligue 1 club Paris Saint-Germain and the Brazil national team. He has proved undoubtedly a prolific goalscorer and renowned playmaker, which makes him regarded as one of the best players in the world. 

He started his professional soccer career at the age of 17 and has scored at least 100 goals for three different clubs, making him one of three players to achieve this. He has also played for Santos and Barcelona FC.

As part of Barcelona’s attacking trio with Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez, dubbed MSN, he won the continental treble of La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the UEFA Champions League. His marvellous display saw him sign for PSG in 2017 in a move worth €222 million, making him the most expensive plate ever.  He combines well with Kylan Mbappe. In France, he won four league titles, among other honours, and was voted Ligue 1 Player of the Year in his debut season. 

12. Alisson Becker

Alisson by Palácio do Planalto from Wikimedia Commons

Álisson Ramsés Becker, commonly known as Alisson, plays as a goalkeeper for Premier League club Liverpool and the Brazil national team and is currently one of the best goalkeepers in the world due to his distribution and ability in one-on-one situations.

His journey started at Internacional academy in 2002, progressing through the youth setup before making his senior debut in 2013. During his four years with Internacional’s senior side, he won the Campeonato Gaucho title in each season. He then moved to Roma in July 2016 and received Serie A Goalkeeper of the Year in the 2017-18 season In July 2018, Liverpool signed Alisson for a fee of £66.8 million (€72.5 million), making him the most expensive goalkeeper of all time. His accolades at Liverpool include; the Premier League, FA Cup, EFL Cup, UEFA Champions League, and FIFA World Cup.

At an international level, Alisson represented Brazil at various youth levels before making his senior international debut in 2015. He represented the nation at Copa America in 2016, 2019, and 2021, and the FIFA World Cup in 2018 and is now in Qatar for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Just to add to the impression that Brazil possesses the strongest all-round squad in Qatar, Allison has already demonstrated why he is one of the world’s elite goalkeepers with a succession of fine saves as they eased off in the second half. He was even substituted to give chance to the third-choice goalkeeper.

13. Gabriel Martinelli

Gabriel Martinelli by @cfcunofficial from Wikimedia Commons

Gabriel Martinelli Silva), known as Gabriel Martinelli, is a Brazilian soccer player who plays as a forward for the Premier League club Arsenal and the Brazil national team. He is a dynamic and explosive wide forward known for his agile and effective movement, He has a unique style of play and is capable of dribbling past multiple opponents to create or score goals. The young lad began his senior club career playing for Ituano, prior to signing for Arsenal in July 2019, aged 18.

He helped Brazil win an Olympic Gold at the 2020 Summer Olympics. He made his senior debut in 2022 and is making his first appearance at the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Playing in his first world cup match, he stood out during their match against Cameroon though they lost after resting most of their top players.

The Brazilian forward Gabriel Martinelli had an impressive showing and provided excitement for the fans at Lusail Stadium. He put pressure on Cameroon’s defenders early and often. The 21-year-old Arsenal star put three shots on goal, the first on a header in the 14th minute that was saved by Cameroon goalkeeper Devis Epassy.

He sent another shot on goal in stoppage time before the end of the first half and again in the 56th minute, only to be denied by the Cameroon goalkeeper who was also outstanding during the match. 

14. Gabriel Jesus

Gabriel Jesus by @cfcunofficial from Wikimedia Commons

Gabriel Jesus is a Brazilian who plays as a forward for Premier League giants Arsenal and the Brazil national team. He started his professional career at the club level at Palmeiras. Shortly after he signed with English club Manchester City in January 2017 in a transfer worth £27 million. He was their star player throughout his stay at the club and won four Premier League titles, three EFL Cups, and the FA Cup. In July 2022, he joined Arsenal in a deal worth £45 million where he has continued to flourish.

After winning 21 caps and scoring seven goals at the youth level,  winning an Olympic gold medal at the 2016 Summer Olympics, he made his senior debut for Brazil in September 2016 and was part of the squad that took part in the FIFA World Cup in 2018 and 2022.

Unfortunately, he picked up an injury to his right knee and he may be out of action for at least three months dealing a blow to both his national team and his club, Arsenal.

15. Thiago Silva

Thiago Silva by Wikimedia Commons

Thiago Emiliano da Silva plays as a centre-back for Premier League club Chelsea and captains the Brazil national team. Currently, he is one of the best defenders in the world and one of the greatest of all time, particularly for his defensive prowess, discipline, and leadership.

He made his senior international debut for Brazil in 2008, at age 23, and has since earned over 100 caps, including appearing in eight major tournaments. He also played in the Qatar World Cup matches making it his third FIFA World Cup Competition appearance.

As one of the pillars of the Brazilian team, he proved to be one of the best defenders at the tournament at the age of 38. When he was rested for the third group match against Cameroon, the Brazilian backline that had been yet to concede in the tournament immediately looked a lot more vulnerable He already broke a record of being the oldest player to provide an assist at the World Cup. He is a unique and irreplaceable asset to his club and country.

16. Casemiro

Brazil Casemiro by Granada from Wikimedia Commons

Carlos Henrique Casimiro commonly, known as Casemiro, is a present-day defensive midfielder playing for Premier League club Manchester United and the Brazil national team. He is widely regarded as one of the best defensive midfielders in the world and of his generation. He has already played for Brazi at the 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cup.

At the club level, before joining Manchester United, he was part of the Real Madrid squad that won four Champions League titles in five seasons, from 2014 to 2018.  He is nicknamed “destroyer” by the media for his tactical awareness and abilities as a ball winner which enables him to cover ground, trackback, and press opponents.

Man United’s Casemiro has impressed at World Cup for Brazil. He was named man of the match during their game against Switzerland. The game looked to be heading for a goalless draw but the player had other ideas. With seven minutes remaining and some fans heading for the exits, Casemiro produced a spectacular performance by firing an unstoppable, angled drive into the far corner of the net to send his side into the last 16 with a game to spare.

This goal also delighted Brazil greats Ronaldo, Roberto Carlos, and Cafu, who were sitting together watching the game inside the stadium. Later he remarked, “I scored but is important to have assisted the whole team. When we win, we win together; when we lose, we lose together. It doesn’t change my mindset.”

17. Richarlison

Richarlison by Assembleia Legislativa do Espírito Santo.Wikimedia Commons

Richarlison de Andrade, also known as Richarlison plays as a forward for Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur and the Brazil national team. His professional career started with America Mineiro in 2015, where he helped them win promotion from the Campeonato Brasileio Serie B in his only season before transferring to Fluminense.

Playing a total of 67 matches and 19 goals in his two years there, he was named in the Team of the Season when the club finished as runners-up in the 2017 Campeonato Carioca. He later signed for Watford, and a year later Everton. He is currently at Tottenham Hotspur.

At the international level, Richarlison made his senior debut for Brazil in 2018. He was a member of the team that won the 2019 Copa America, came runners-up at the 2021 Copa America, and won a gold medal at the 2020 Olympic tournament. Already one of the stars of the World Cup, Richarlison has scored three times in three appearances in Qatar, including a stunning bicycle kick against Serbia in the opening game. He is in contention for the Golden Boot award in the competition.

18. Vinícius Júnior

Vinicius by Real Madrid from Wikimedia Commons

Vinícius José Paixão de Oliveira Júnior commonly known as Vinícius Júnior or Vini Jr. plays as a winger for La Liga club Real Madrid and the Brazil national team. Considered one of the best wingers in the world, he is known for his dribbling skills, high pace, and playmaking.

At the club level, he has played at Flamengo, where he made his senior debut in 2017, before moving to Real Madrid for whom he signed a £38 million deal, which was a national record for a U-18 player. Vinícius established himself as a prominent member of Real Madrid’s squad, helping the club win the 2021-22 La Liga title and scoring the winning goal in Real Madrid’s 2022 UEFA Champions League Final win.

On 24 March 2022, Vinícius scored his debut goal for the national team, in a 4–0 home win over Chile in a 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification match at the Maracana Stadium.

On 7 November 2022, Vinícius was named to the squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. He scored his first FIFA World Cup goal against South Korea in the round of 16, helping Brazil qualify for the quarter-finals. After scoring the goal, he shared his desire to win the FIFA World Cup 2022 for legendary Pele – unfortunately, this dream was crushed as Brazil didn’t proceed to the semi-finals.

 19. Lucas Paquetá

Lucas Paquetá by Agencia de Noticias ANDES from Wikimedia Commons

Lucas Tolentino Coelho de Lima, better known as Lucas Paquetá plays as an attacking midfielder for Premier League club West Ham United and the Brazil national team. At the club level, he has also played for Flamengo AC Milan and Lyon clubs.

 On 23 March 2019, he scored his first goal in a 1–1 friendly draw against Panama, wearing Brazil’s iconic No. 10 shirt. In May 2019, he was included in Brazil’s 23-man squad for the 2019 Copa America.] On 7 November 2022, Paquetá was named to the squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. With a stunning volley, he scored Brazil’s fourth goal against South Korea.

20. Alex Telles

Alex Nicolao Telles plays as a left-back for La Liga club Sevilla, on loan from Premier League club Manchester United, and the Brazil national team. Born in Brazil, Telles also holds Italian citizenship but ended up representing Brazil at the international level. He made his senior international debut in 2019.

Unfortunately playing in his first World Cup, he sustained an injury just four minutes after halftime following a collision with a Cameroon midfielder. 

21. Ederson

Ederson Moraes by Brad Tutterow from Wikimedia Commons

Ederson Santana de Moraes, known as Ederson, plays as a goalkeeper for Premier League club Manchester City and the Brazil national team. Ederson started his career at São Paulo in 2008 before joining Portuguese side Benfica one year later, where he would spend two seasons.

He joined English club Manchester City for £35 million and became the most expensive goalkeeper of all time in terms of the nominal value of pound sterling at the time of his transfer. He went on to win the Premier League and EFL Cup in his first season in England and won a domestic treble the following season. Ederson made his senior debut for Brazil in 2017 after previously being capped at the under-23 level. He was chosen in Brazil’s squad for the FIFA World Cup in 2018 and 2022. Though not popular with Brazil fans, the number two goalkeeper played one match at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

There you have it – the 21 best Brazilian footballers! Now you know why Brazilian Football players remain fan favourites – World Cup trophy or not.