The Greatest Brazilian Footballers of all-time

No.1 Zico

Legendary Brazilian player best known for his exceptional skills and creativity on the field. Zico was a playmaker and attacking midfielder who was renowned for his precise passing, dribbling, and shooting abilities. Zico had a unique style of play that was characterized by his vision, agility, and technical prowess, which made him one of the greatest players of all time. His ability to read the game and create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates was truly remarkable.

No.2 Rivelino

Rivellino made his professional debut for Corinthians in 1965 and quickly established himself as a creative and skillful attacking midfielder with the São Paulo club, playing there for the next ten seasons.

Rivelino was also a key player for the Brazilian national team. He made his debut for the Seleção in 1965 and was a key part of that fabulous team that won the 1970 World Cup in Mexico. Rivelino scored three goals in the tournament and was named to the team of the tournament. He also played in the 1974 and 1978 World Cups but was unable to replicate the success of 1970, finishing in fourth and third place respectively.

Rivelino was known for his incredible left foot, which was capable of delivering pinpoint accurate passes and devastating free-kicks. He was also a skilled dribbler and had excellent vision and creativity on the ball.

No.3 Gérson

Gerson is a footballing legend whose career and achievements continue to inspire generations of players in Brazil. His talent, work ethic, and dedication to the sport have made him one of the greatest midfielders in the history of football, and his contributions to the Brazilian national team's success in the 1970 World Cup will always be remembered. Gerson's impact on the sport extends beyond the field, and his commitment to using his platform to make a positive difference makes him a true role model for aspiring athletes.

No.4 Tostão

One of the greatest players in Brazilian football history, Tostao played a pivotal role in Brazil's success in the 1970 World Cup. Tostao's legacy as a player, doctor, and scholar is firmly cemented in Brazilian football history,.

No.5 Romário

Romario's playing career was highly successful, and he established himself as one of the best strikers in football in the 1990s. Romario's international career was also highly successful, and he helped Brazil win the World Cup in 1994. Romario's legacy in the world of football will continue to be felt for many years to come, and he will always be remembered as one of the greatest Brazilian footballers of all time.

No.6 Sócrates

Sócrates was known for his exceptional technical ability and physical strength, which made him a dominant force on the field. He was also renowned for his vision and passing ability, which allowed him to control the game from midfield. Sócrates' playing style was characterized by his elegance, intelligence, and creativity, making him a joy to watch and a nightmare for opposing defenders.

No.6 Djalma Santos

No.7 Neymar

Neymar's playing career has been marked by immense talent, individual accolades, and team success. He has established himself as one of the best footballers in the world, and his performances on the field continue to captivate fans and spectators around the globe. While his career has not been without its controversies, there is no denying the impact that Neymar has had on Brazilian football in recent years.

No.8 Falcão

No.9 Júnior

No.10 Rivaldo

Widely regarded as one of the best players of his generation, Rivaldo was known for his technical ability, dribbling skills, and finishing. Rivaldo played for some of the biggest clubs in the world, including Barcelona and AC Milan, and helped Brazil win the 2002 World Cup. He was also a Ballon d'Or winner and a key member of the Brazilian national team during his playing career.

No.11 Roberto Carlos

In conclusion, Roberto Carlos was a legendary footballer whose playing career spanned over two decades. He was a dynamic left-back who excelled at both ends of the pitch and helped his teams win numerous titles. His contribution to Real Madrid, Brazil, and the game of football will always be remembered, and his legacy as one of the best left-backs in the history of the sport is secure.

No.12 Kaká

Widely considered to be one of the greatest attacking midfielders of all time, Kaka began his professional career with São Paulo FC before moving to AC Milan, where he won the Ballon d'Or in 2007. Kaka was known for his pace, skill, and vision on the field, and he was a key player for both AC Milan and the Brazilian national team. He retired from football in 2017 after a successful career that spanned over 15 years.

No.17 Nílton Santos

Nilton Santos' playing career was a testament to his exceptional skill, innovation, and relentless pursuit of excellence. He redefined the role of the fullback, combining defensive prowess with attacking flair to transform the position. Santos' contributions to Botafogo and the Brazilian national team were instrumental in their success, and his impact on Brazilian football continues to reverberate to this day. As a true pioneer and one of the greatest fullbacks in history, Nilton Santos' legacy is etched in the fabric of the beautiful game.

No.18 Toninho Cerezo

Toninho Cerezo was a highly regarded defensive midfielder in Brazilian football during the 1970s and 1980s. He played for Atlético Mineiro, Roma, Sampdoria, and São Paulo during his career. Cerezo was known for his tough tackling, excellent ball distribution, and leadership on the field. He was a key player for the Brazil national team during the 1982 World Cup, where they played some of the most beautiful football ever seen.

No.19 Éder

Éder's artistry, flair, and technical brilliance became synonymous with the "Jogo Bonito" (beautiful game) of that wonderful 1982 Brazilian team. His style of play inspired a generation of young players, who sought to replicate his dribbling skills and creativity on the pitch. Éder was also well known for some spectacular long-range screamers (although everyone tended to forget about the number of efforts that flew miles over the bar or curved wide of goal towards the corner flag!) and his footballing nickname was, appropriately, O Canhão (the Cannon), a nod to the power that he could produce that from that wicked left foot of his.

He was also responsible for our favourite free-kick of all-time, one of the greatest goals never scored - the swerving thunderbolt against arch-rivals Argentina at the 1982 World Cup, hitting the bar and bouncing down for Zico to tap in. To be fair, it deserved to go in for Éder's huge run-up alone!

No.20 Juninho Pernambucano

Probably the greatest free-kick taker that the world of football has ever seen, giving away a free-kick to Juninho Pernambucano was almost like handing him a penalty. He scored 44 free-kicks for Lyon during a brilliant eight years at the club and bagged nearly 80 during his entire career, which also featured a lengthy spell with Vasco da Gama.

No.21 Bebeto

Bebeto had a highly successful playing career both at club and international level, and he is considered one of the greatest Brazilian footballers of his generation. He was a technically gifted player with a keen eye for goal and an ability to make an impact in important matches.

No.22 Adriano

Despite issues during the second of his career, particularly with fitness, Adriano will still be remembered as one of the most talented Brazilian footballers of his generation. He scored 27 goals in 48 appearances for Brazil and won several major trophies, including the Copa America and league titles In Italy and Brazil. His incredible left foot, powerful shots, and technical skills will forever be etched in the memories of football fans of the 2000s.

No.23 Mauro Silva

Mauro Silva had an outstanding career as a footballer, playing for some of the biggest clubs in Brazil and Spain and winning numerous titles along the way. His performances for Brazil in the 1994 World Cup will forever be remembered, and he is rightly regarded as one of the best defensive midfielders of his generation. Silva's influence on the game has continued long after his retirement, and his knowledge and expertise are highly valued in the world of football.

No.24 Diego

No.24 Cláudio Taffarel

No.25 Lúcio

Lucio was renowned for his commanding presence and solid defensive skills. His playing style revolved around physicality, strong tackling, and exceptional aerial ability. As a central defender, Lucio possessed great strength and timing, making him a formidable opponent in one-on-one situations. Additionally, his ability to read the game and make decisive interceptions allowed him to neutralize opposing attacks effectively. Lucio's leadership qualities and unwavering determination further enhanced his reputation as a dominant force in the heart of the defence.