15 Best Brazilian Premier League Players in History

Brazil has been one of the best teams in world football, consistently winning in the World Cups, and producing iconic players who left a big legacy in the history of the sport. Brazilians are known for flair, technical brilliance, and creativity. They have produced world-class players across all the positions, it is impossible to imagine football without Brazilian players.

Since the advent of the Premier League in 1992, so many Brazilian players at different points of their careers joined the English clubs, entertaining the fans with their flair and also playing pivotal roles for their respective clubs’ success and creating unforgettable moments. A lot of these players have had moments that will stand out for the rest of time.

This is our ranking of the 15 best Brazilian Premier League Players, explaining and celebrating their legacy.

Ranking Factors

The following factors have been used in determining the rankings of the 15 best Brazilian Premier League Players.

1. Importance in the team.
2. Premier League Statistics.
3. Longevity and Consistency.
4. Individual and Team Achievements.

List of 15 Best Brazilian Premier League Players

15. Lucas Leiva

Lucas Leiva was synonymous with hard work and resilience. He arrived at the Merseyside in 2007 for a fee of £5 million. He scored his first goal for Liverpool on 27 January 2008 when he curled a 25-yard shot into the top corner during an FA Cup match against Havant & Waterlooville, becoming the first-ever Brazilian to score for Liverpool. He was a hard-working box-to-box player and had the stamina to run all day. He was always reliable and was a starter for every manager that he played.

Even though it was unfortunate that he was not part of the golden Liverpool era under Jurgen Klopp, he will always be appreciated by the Kop for his valiant efforts.

14. Oscar

Oscar was one of the most entertaining and captivating players in the Premier League, his incredible performances were one of the biggest reasons why the Belgian superstar Kevin De Bruyne had to ride the bench. His ability to adapt his off ball movements to complement his teammates made him a big threat and elevated how Chelsea played. Oscar was a star for Chelsea and Brazil but he left European football for good in 2016, aged 25, and then headed for China during the peak of his career, and never returned, securing the status as a cult icon.

13. Ramires

Ramires was one of the key players in the Chelsea era in 2010 when they were making deep runs in the UEFA Champions League and were actively participating in Premier League title challenges. While Brazilians were reknowned for their flair and skills, Ramires completely flipped that stereotype: a tireless runner with a reserved personality and no interest in rainbow flicks or step-overs. He was a destroyer in midfield and one of the biggest reasons for Chelsea’s success. His cheeky goal vs Barcelona in the Champions League Semifinal in 2009 will forever be itched in the hearts of The Blues.

Also Read: 15 Best Argentina Players in Premier League All Time

12. Gabriel Jesus

While Gabriel Jesus has a trophy cabinet that matches that of the all-time greats, his importance to his team is often not as high, as he spent the majority of his career at Manchester City as a deputy to Argentina’s Sergio Aguero. His ability to play as a striker and also on the wings efficiently makes him a unique asset. He is rapid, a great dribbler, and uses his body really well on the ball.

He moved to Arsenal in 2022 and while he is in a bit of a rough patch currently, he has enough talent to turn it around.

11. Thiago Silva

Thiago Silva has played for many elite clubs in his career. He is also regarded as one of the best ever centre backs of this century. Despite that, when he was about to join Chelsea, there were many people casting doubt over this transfer as fans thought he was no longer the player he was. But he proved people wrong, becoming a rock in the Chelsea defense, and playing a key role in their success, especially in their UEFA Champions League win in 2021.

10. David Luiz

David Luiz has been a prominent figure in the Premier League, representing two top London clubs, Chelsea and Arsenal. Known for his versatility, pinpoint passing, strong tackling, and trademark free-kicks, he played a pivotal role at Chelsea, contributing to their success.

While his impact at Arsenal was less pronounced, his overall Premier League career remains impressive, showcasing his skill and resilience on the pitch.

9. Juninho

One of the most technically gifted players ever to play in the Premier League, Juninho took the Premier League by storm. While he was known for his tricky plays, he was so much more than that. He had world-class movement and timing, scoring a lot of goals just from being in the right place at the right time with good technique in his shots. He contributed brilliantly in the creative department too, often popping up with assists. There is a reason why he was the first and only Brazilian ever to win the Player Of The Season award.

8. Gilberto Silva

Gilberto Silva is another jewel in a long dynasty of incredible Brazilian midfielders. As a tall midfield destroyer, he became one of the most pivotal players of the Invincible era of Arsenal. Gilberto Silva had a brilliant partnership with Patrick Vieira, almost creating an invisible wall that disabled the opposition from passing through.

7. Phillippe Coutinho

“The Little Magician” as he was fondly called, Coutinho did justice to that nickname. He pulled off incredible tricks to escape tricky situations, his ability on the ball was exceptional. .The Brazilian magician proved he was one of the best attacking midfielders in the world, showing his great dribbling, vision, long shots and genius plays every single game. There is a reason why he was amongst the very few £100M pound transfers, he was that good.

Though his time at Aston Villa did not fare as well as we would have expected, he will always be cherished by Liverpool fans and the neutrals.

Also Read: Top 10 Best Football Players In The World 2024

6. Willian

Willian was a wonderful dribbler, an efficient set-piece taker, scored a lot of vital goals for Chelsea and played a key role in their success. His time at Chelsea saw him as one of the best wingers in the league. While his time at Arsenal started incredibly, it did not fare well. He did come back to the Premier League by joining Fulham, providing his experience, and was integral to Fulham’s success in remaining in the Premier League.

5. Fabinho

One of the best defensive midfielders in the league, Fabinho was a monster and a crucial part of Klopp’s midfield during their golden era. He bossed the opposition with his towering presence, winning the ball comfortably when out of possession, and had an occasional banger that helped his team turn matches around. His importance to the team was seen in 2021/22 season when he was injured, which derailed the team’s campaign completely. While he was not an active goal scorer, he always helped his teammates to score more goals and provide more assists.

4. Ederson

Ederson is one of the few goalkeepers in the world who has the Brazilian flair, his ability to do fakeouts, his immaculate penalty styles, and his incredible passing range. All these traits made him unique and pivotal to Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City. He became indispensable, playing a key role in all of their title wins, and providing a level of security that enabled the outfield players to play on the front.

3. Alisson Becker

While Alisson might not have a trophy cabinet as big as Ederson’s, his skill level is definitely higher. His commanding presence, incredible reflexes, and line-breaking passes have made Liverpool a better, efficient, and entertaining side. Alisson’s arrival made a huge difference to Liverpool, how better he is compared to his predecessors, and showed the importance of having an elite goalkeeper in making teams turn into title challengers.

His goal vs West Brom during lockdown football will forever remain as one of the best moments in the history of Premier League.

2. Fernandinho

A stalwart of the Premier League, Fernandinho was the heart of Manchester City’s midfield, breaking down attacks and maintaining possession. He was famous for his tactical fouls, that enabled City to gain an advantage during crucial moments of play. His quality is unmatchable and his presence is one of the biggest reasons for Manchester City winning multiple consecutive Premier League titles.

1. Roberto Firmino

A striker who is a prime example of a false nine type, Firmino was the biggest reason why the frontline of Liverpool clicked. His dropping under Mane/Salah/Jota pairings created so much space that isn’t there with a traditional 9. Pulling one (or even two) centre-backs out of the middle of the pitch opened the channels for the others to move into. His close control is excellent and his Brazilian creativity in the middle is underrated. Liverpool are a different and better team with him on the pitch.

Entertaining nutmegs, backheel assists and, elite linkup play, Firmino was truly a one of a kind player.

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