Who are the best Brazilian soccer players of all time? This is not an easy question to answer because this South American nation has produced countless remarkable talents over the years. But bestsoccertips.com has tried its best. The following ten players have helped Brazil establish its reputation as the spiritual home of the Beautiful Game by achieving resounding success in style.
Best Brazilian soccer players of all time
10. Kaka
The €8.5 million investment AC Milan made in Kaka in 2003 proved to be one of the most worthwhile and beneficial moves for the club. During his glorious years at San Siro, the Brazilian hero not only illuminated the pitch but also brought Milan the highest accolade in football, the Ballon d’Or in 2007, while leading the Italian side to Champions League glory.
Kaka’s physical prowess and outstanding technique made him an undeniable phenomenon in the footballing century. He was one of those special talents capable of leading a team to resplendent success. However, the joy of fans and his own was dimmed by the pains of knee injuries, particularly during the disappointing spell when he wore the Real Madrid jersey.
9. Jairzinho
Jairzinho was one of the illustrious stars of the Brazilian national team during their 1970 World Cup-winning campaign, a tournament where he etched his name by becoming the only player to win the highest honor in football by scoring in every match—a remarkable feat still recognized to this day.
With speed and exquisite technique, this forward formed a potent attacking trio alongside Pele and Tostao, creating a threesome that posed immense pressure on opposing defenses. Despite leaving a clear mark on football history, perhaps Jairzinho isn’t as vividly remembered by English national team fans, but thanks to a magical goal, he earned a place in supporters’ hearts by defeating the reigning world champions at the time.
8. Socrates
Socrates was not only the talented captain of the Brazilian national team in the 1980s but also an icon of uniqueness and style in his playing. He was known for his no-look passes, a trademark move unique to him. With his dapper appearance, complete with a beard and a distinctive headband, Socrates was not just a skilled player but also a leader on the field.
Beyond his footballing prowess, Socrates was a qualified physician. His ability to read the game was a standout, allowing him to orchestrate and manage matches with intelligence. Additionally, Socrates had a significant impact off the field as one of the founders of the Corinthians Democracy movement, a movement fighting against Brazil’s military government. This demonstrates his multifaceted and humanitarian nature extending beyond the football pitch.
7. Zico
Dubbed the “new Pele” when entering the 1980s, Zico made a spectacular breakthrough in Brazilian football. Although he never brought home a World Cup for the national team, Zico is still regarded as one of the greatest players in Brazilian football history.
He is a legend at the Maracana stadium, where he scored an impressive 333 goals, marking his greatness with Flamengo. Under Zico’s leadership, Flamengo won 4 national championships, Copa Libertadores, and the Club World Cup, with the pinnacle being an impressive 3-0 victory over Kenny Dalglish’s Liverpool in the 1981 final.
6. Rivaldo
Rivaldo showcased his brilliance with an unforgettable hat-trick, considered one of the greatest hat-tricks of all time, in a match against Valencia in 2001. His final long-range goal highlighted his talent and left an indelible mark in football history.
Additionally, he was an indispensable part of the legendary trio alongside Ronaldinho and Ronaldo, forming one of the most potent attacking combinations of all time, helping the Brazilian national team win the 2002 World Cup.
Rivaldo truly was a versatile forward, capable of executing everything on the field—from free kicks, long shots to quick directional changes. With his individual and team successes, he won the Ballon d’Or in 1999 after leading Barcelona to the La Liga title and helping the Brazilian national team win the Copa America.
5. Romario
Romario was truly a clinical finisher and excellent ball controller. His record of 55 goals in 70 appearances for the Brazilian national team demonstrates his talent and influence in the history of Brazilian football. On the all-time rankings of the national team, Romario only trails legends like Pele, Ronaldo, and Neymar, showcasing his status and influence in the football world.
In his international career, Romario’s highlight was at the 1994 World Cup in the USA, where he was honored as the tournament’s Best Player after scoring 5 goals, contributing significantly to Brazil’s victory. Additionally, Romario also had impressive achievements in his club career, winning championships at major clubs like Vasco da Gama, PSV Eindhoven, and Barcelona.
4. Ronaldinho
The smiling magician is one of the most naturally entertaining artists to have graced the footballing world. Ronaldinho possessed not only quick thinking and execution but also unique skills that he could use to dazzle past opponents. His talent and the blend of skill and creativity made Ronaldinho an irresistible presence on the field.
As a World Cup champion in 2002, Ronaldinho continued to captivate fans by scoring 50 astonishing goals in two seasons at Barcelona, from the attacking midfielder position. He helped the Catalan club win the Champions League and also clinched the Ballon d’Or in 2005, showcasing his strength and influence in the world of football.
3. Garrincha
Uruguayan writer Eduardo Galeano once declared that “in the entire history of football, nobody made more people happy” than Garrincha. The great Brazilian player was born with a crooked spine and uneven legs, but that never diminished his power on the field. With the nickname “The Angel with Bent Legs,” Garrincha dazzled everyone with his dazzling dribbling skills and exquisite ball control.
Garrincha played a crucial role in Brazil’s victory at the 1958 World Cup, contributing significantly to Selecao’s triumph. Particularly, he shone brighter when Pele was injured and absent in the 1962 World Cup, almost single-handedly leading Brazil to successfully defend their title from the previous tournament. Garrincha’s strength and talent became symbols of pride and honor for the nation of Brazil.
2. Ronaldo
‘O Fenomeno’ didn’t take long to make his name known worldwide. He won his first FIFA Player of the Year award at the age of 20 in 1996, two years after being part of Brazil’s World Cup-winning squad in the USA, and went on to win two Ballon d’Or awards and become the leading scorer in World Cup history—until surpassed by Miroslav Klose in 2014.
This explosive forward scored 420 goals in his career, dazzling crowds at Barcelona, Inter Milan, and Real Madrid and winning two World Cup Golden Boots, only losing to France in 1998 before claiming the championship four years later. If not for the injury problems that hampered his career, his achievements could have been even greater.
1. Pelé
At just 17 years old, Pele left an indelible mark at the 1958 World Cup in Sweden. He became the youngest player ever to score in a World Cup final, netting six goals and scoring a brace in the final to help Brazil overcome the hosts and claim victory. His excellence continued as he won football’s ultimate prize two more times, in 1962 and 1970—an achievement unmatched before or since.
At the club level, Pele led a golden era for Santos, where they won two Copa Libertadores titles and consecutive Intercontinental Cups in 1962 and 1963. Remarkably, by the time he hung up his boots, this forward had scored 1,279 goals, an incredibly impressive figure and a clear testament to Pele’s greatness in his career.
Conclusion
In summary, the illustrious lineup of Brazil’s greatest soccer players reflects not only the nation’s storied footballing heritage but also the enduring legacy of brilliance, creativity, and resilience on the pitch. From Pelé’s unprecedented World Cup triumphs to the dazzling skills of Ronaldinho and the sheer determination of Garrincha, each player has etched their name into the annals of footballing history. Their contributions have not only brought glory to Brazil but have also captivated and inspired football fans around the globe. As icons of the beautiful game, they continue to exemplify the spirit of excellence and passion that defines Brazilian football, serving as timeless symbols of inspiration for generations to come.
