Greatest Brazilian footballers of all time

Brazil is often hailed as the Home of Football and it is hard to argue, given the footballing royalty and legends that it has produced over the years. From the vibrant beaches to the poverty-stricken favelas, football is the very lifeblood of the nation, and as a result, it has birthed some of the best Brazilian footballers of all time. 

Throughout history, we have witnessed some of the most technically gifted and skilled Brazilian footballers take to the field donning the iconic yellow jersey of the Brazil Nation Team. Embodying the spirit of ‘Joga Bonito’,(Portuguese for ‘The Beautiful Game’) the Brazilian way of the game emphasizes beauty, style, and individual flair, rounded out with flourishing creativity. 

This brand of football has led to the Selecao winning the World Cup on five separate occasions (1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, 2002), the most by any nation. Naturally, this feat would not have been possible if not for some of the best players to set foot on a football pitch. Thus, let’s take a look at 20 of the best Brazilian footballers of all time. 

Top 20 greatest brazillian footballers in history

With that, we will now take a look at the top 20 Brazilian footballers throughout history and rank them according to their longevity, success, ability, and overall contribution to the national team. Keep in mind, that many Brazilian players have come to be known as some of the most decorated athletes at the club level, but were unable to find similar success with the national team. 

Thus, such names have unfortunately been left out of the list. As such, if you do not find your favorite Brazilian footballers on the list, you now know why. Lastly, there can never be a singular definitive ranking and, it is entirely possible that your list may slightly differ from ours. 

20. Marcelo 

To start off our list, we have one of the most talented and gifted fullbacks that the sport has ever seen. Having moved to Real Madrid in 2007, Marcelo solidified his legacy as one of the best to ever do it. A decorated name at club level, the left-back was ultimately unable to replicate the same amount of success for his country. 

Despite this, the six-time La Liga champion had 58 caps for Brazil winning the Confederations Cup in 2013 and was part of the 2014 World Cup squad that bowed out in the semis. In some ways the perfect heir to Roberto Carlos, Marcelo reinvented the full-back role with his high-flying movement and delightful ability on the ball to accompany it.   

19. Taffarel

Whilst the Brazilian footballers are known for their flair and all-out attacking plays, Claudio Taffarel will forever go down in the annals of history as one of the most important players of the 1994 World Cup-winning squad. The only goalkeeper on the list, many may be surprised by his inclusion.

However, it was Taffarel’s heroics that kept Italy at bay for the whole 90 minutes and extra time, which was followed by a historic display that won Brazil their fourth World Cup in 1994. Throughout his career, Taffarel collected 101 caps for Brazil with rock-solid showings at three World Cup finals. 

18. Gerson 

When Brazil hoisted the World Cup trophy for the third time in 1970, many attributed the triumph to the efforts of Pele, Jairzinho, and Tostao. However, it was Gerson, the ‘brains of the operation’ who sat back and dictated the play from midfield. One of the finest passers of the ball that the world has ever seen, Gerson was instrumental in Brazil’s historic run in Mexico. With almost a spider-like web of control in the midfield, it is but a shame that a player of caliber and quality is often overlooked among the greats.  

17. Neymar 

Next up, we have what may seem like a rather surprising ranking for one of the most technically gifted Brazilian footballers on the list. When Neymar burst onto the scene at Santos, the world was at his fingertips. Joining up with Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez at Barcelona, the Brazilian would form one of the most feared trios in football history. 

However, while Neymar enjoyed every possible triumph at the club level, his international exploits left more to be desired. Despite this, he is the Brazilian top scorer with 128 caps to his name, a 2013 Confederations Cup and Golden Ball winner. He also captained the national team to their first Olympic gold medal at the 2016 Summer Olympics. 

16. Rivelino

Sporting an iconic mustache, Rivelino had garnered quite the reputation, thanks to his ability to produce a bullet-like shot out of nowhere. Part of the iconic 1970 World Cup squad, Rivelino was key in the attacking passages of play owing to his playmaking ability and eye for a pass. 

With power and flair being his best attributes, Rivelino inspired future generations of Brazilian footballers with his magical left foot, which he would also use to execute the ‘flip-flap’ skill, which in turn was picked up and trademarked by Ronaldinho later down the line. 

15. Carlos Alberto 

Up next we have one of the most legendary Brazilian defenders and a pivotal figure in the 1970 World Cup-winning side. Not only was Alberto a top-notch full-back with a knack for finding himself in the opponent’s penalty area, but he also captained the Selecao to their third World Cup triumph.  

Undoubtedly, one of Carlos Alberto’s defining moments came during the finals of the 1970 World Cup finals when his 86th-minute dagger all but sealed the victory for his team. 

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14. Falcao 

Another underrated and unsung hero of the Brazil National team, Falcao was one of the most brilliant minds to ever set foot on a football pitch. Although he celebrated numerous triumphs at the club level, his standout performances and brilliance in a national team full of legends, speak volumes about his ability. 

Part of the 1982 World Cup squad, Falcao shone in his withdrawn role in midfield and put in key performances against the likes of Argentina and the eventual winners, Italy. 

13. Roberto Carlos

In a list rife with legends, it is only fitting that we mention one of the greatest full-backs to grace the game. Roberto Carlos not only embodied the ‘Joga Bonito’ spirit of Brazilian footballers but was a trailblazer for attacking fullbacks that came after him. An indispensable part of the 2002 World Cup-winning team, Carlos produced moments of magic for both club and country. 

Forever immortalized for his freakish, otherworldly free kicks, Carlos mesmerized fans of the beautiful sport as part of the Selecao and as a Galactico. 

12.Kaka 

One of the most gifted Brazilian footballers of his time, Kaka was destined to be one of the best. Although his time at the peak of his powers was relatively short-lived, the 2007 Ballon d’Or winner left his mark on the sport forever.

Continuing a long lineage of incredibly skilled and creative attacking midfielders, Kaka had an unmapped ceiling of potential, which was unfortunately never realized. However, his selection in the 2002 World Cup winning squad at the age of 20 was a testament to his abilities. 

11. Didi

Much like the previous two names on the list, Didi was also one of many Brazilian footballers who played for Real Madrid. In fact, he was the first Brazilian to join the Los Blancos, trailblazing a glorious trend. A master of the midfield, Didi played a pivotal role during the Selecao’s 1958 and 1962 World Cup wins, being named the best player during the former. 

While his abilities over a dead ball were one of his key traits, his ability to exude calmness and composure while beating the press was simply put, godlike. 

10. Cafu 

Arguably the greatest fullback to ever set foot inside a football pitch, Cafu also holds the record for most number of caps for Brazil with 142. Flying up and down the flanks, the Brazilian workhorse won the World Cup twice, in 1994, before captaining the team to victory in 2002. A near-perfect player in his own right, this list was never going to be right without Cafu in it.

9. Jairzinho

With Brazil having a rich history of undeniable attacking talent, it is quite easy to overlook the brilliance of Jairzinho. Having played three World Cup finals for the Selecao, his historic campaign in 1970 where he scored a goal in every game, remains an unbroken record to this day. As a result, the versatile attacker was also named in the  FIFA World Cup All-Star Team that year. 

8.Romario 

An unstoppable force in his day, Romario terrorized defenses across the globe at the club and international level. With a solid record of netting 55 times in 71 appearances, 5 of his goals came at the 1994 World Cup, wherein he also netted an all-important penalty in the final against Italy. A prodigal goal-getter, he is one that the old-school Barcelona fans will have a soft spot for.

7. Rivaldo

Joining Romario on the list is yet another attacking powerhouse who played for Barcelona. Rivaldo is one among many skillful Brazilian footballers to take the world by storm. A Ballon d’Or winner in 1999, Rivaldo was one of the best Brazilian football players at the 2002 World Cup. Playing as an attacking midfielder or out wide, the left-footed wizard was truly a marvel to behold. 

6. Ronaldinho

Up next is a man who needs no introduction. Ronaldinho is without a doubt one of the most iconic and greatest Brazilian footballers to ever grace the sport. Be it his radiant smile, his silky skills, or just the magic that he weaves on the pitch, words cannot do the 2002 World Cup winner and 2005 Ballon d’Or winner any justice. 

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#5. Zico 

Up next is perhaps one of the most fluid and technically sound Brazilian football players ever in Zico. One of the best in the world in his position, Zico had a penchant for finding the back of the net, despite being a midfielder. His contribution of 48 goals in 71 games for the national team is a solid feat and one that has sealed his unrivaled legacy.

4. Socrates 

Coming to the end of the list, we have one of the best players not to win the World Cup. Despite this, the large yet elegant two-footed midfield maestro ran the show at the 1982 World Cup. Although the campaign did not prove to be fruitful, the quality of football, saw many hail the team as the greatest ever national team and heap praise on its captain, Socrates. 

3. Ronaldo

Making the final third is one of the most feared goalscorers of all time, Ronaldo. Called ‘El Fenomeno’ for a reason, ‘R9’ was but a step away from ascending into GOAT conversations, if not for untimely injuries capping his time at the top. A two-time Ballon d’Or and World Cup winner, Ronaldo is one of the very few to have come close to completing football. 

2. Garrincha

Up next is quite possibly one of the most important Brazilian footballers on the list and the only man who can hold a candle to #1. After all, Garrincha went from battling a lot of misfortune and sheer bad luck to stepping up for his country at the 1962 World Cup, filling the shoes of perhaps the greatest player in history. Garrincha’s underdog story is nothing short of miraculous and magical.

1. Pele

And now, for the man who can only be referred to as ‘The King’, we have the legendary Pele. His legendary goal tally for club and country aside, Pele’s record of three World Cup wins and his impact as one of the best Brazilian footballers and greatest players ever, deserves a special mention. Thus, it was no surprise that the world was brought to a standstill, following the news of his passing in 2022.

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