Brazil. It’s a country that lives and breathes football. Brazilian footballers have often been adored, deified almost, viewed as larger-than-life characters who possess the power to make one forget about life and dream, dream about the beautiful game.

As a country, Brazil has been through a lot. Politically, socially and economically. But even when faith in government and the powers-that-be has wavered, football has remained a fundamental part of life in South America’s largest nation.

It was telling when the Seleção, as hosts of the 2014 World Cup, were knocked out in a crushing 7-1 defeat to Germany, the whole country was plunged into mourning.

But even after the national team’s darkest hour, the Brazilian people continue to love the sport unconditionally.


Thankfully, they have produced some of the finest players to ever grace the game; artists and icons who challenged perceptions of what was possible on a football pitch.

And here, we’re going to spoil it all by saying something stupid like ‘we’ll rank them’. Ranking anything is a dangerous game. There is no ‘right’ answer, of course, considering that they are intensely subjective. You’re not wrong for putting Citizen Kane above The Godfather, nor are you wrong for holding Eric Clapton in higher esteem than Jimi Hendrix.

Anyway, that’s a whole other can of worms we’re not opening. Our focus is Brazilian footballers, so let’s get crackin’.

10. Gérson
Kicking off our list of the best Brazilian footballers ever is Gérson, the creative heartbeat of the legendary World Cup-winning side of 1970.

A player of exquisite technique, hawk-like vision and a thunderous left foot, Gérson represented four of Brazil’s biggest clubs – Flamengo, Botafogo, São Paulo and Fluminense – but his brilliance for the Seleção was what propelled him into global footballing consciousness.

A supreme passer of the ball, Gérson overcame the pain of a deeply disappointing 1966 World Cup campaign – in which Brazil failed to progress beyond the group stage – to become the chief architect of that glorious side four years later, winning the tournament’s Silver Ball and scoring his country’s second in the final victory over Italy.

9. Sócrates
Socrates is widely considered one of the greatest Brazilian footballers ever

Elegant midfielder. Heavy drinker and smoker. Qualified medical doctor. Social activist and tireless campaigner for democracy.

Yes, Sócrates was all of these things, his legacy being much more than what he did on the field. A remarkable man, he was the legendary captain of Brazil’s 1982 World Cup team, unmistakable and unhurried, a player whose nonchalant brilliance was not enough to drive his country to the final in Spain.

A winner of three Brazilian championships with Corinthians, Socrates hung up his boots in 1989 before making a strange return with English non-league side Garforth Town for about five minutes in 2004.

That bizarre cameo did not blemish his legacy, though; Sócrates remains one of the most naturally gifted players Brazil has ever produced.

8. Jairzinho
A powerful, rapid winger, Jairzinho is best remembered for his remarkable feat during the 1970 World Cup; scoring in all six games.

He was a player who could score any type of goal, from sublime solo efforts to thunderous shots. He had every type of finish in his arsenal. Indeed, it was Jairzinho’s unerring precision in front of goal which lifted his country to their greatest-ever triumph.

Jairzinho found success at club level, too, clinching two state championships in the 1960s with Botafogo. It’s his exploits in Mexico, however, that set him apart from so many of his compatriots.

7. Cafu
With so many of Brazil’s legends attack-minded players, it’s a testament to Cafu’s impact and consistency over such a long stretch that he comfortably breaks into the top ten.

A stalwart of the national side, Cafu is the only player to appear in three consecutive World Cup finals, winning in 1994 and 2002, captaining his country in the latter.

He is also Brazil’s most-capped player with a staggering 142 to his name. Cafu is best remembered as the indefatigable presence at right-back who helped Roma to the Scudetto in 2001. He clinched his second Serie A title with Milan in 2004 and was a veteran member of the Rossoneri’s Champions League winners in 2007.

He is, quite simply, one of the greatest right-backs ever.

6. Romário
Romario is one of the greatest Brazilian footballers ever.

Few players mastered the art of goalscoring quite like Romário. While there are certainly question marks over the validity of his 1000-goal haul, there can be no disputing the striker’s brilliance in the penalty area, possessing the touch and finish that allowed him to score important goal after important goal.

Romário’s finest hour came at the 1994 World Cup when he scored five goals during Brazil’s triumphant campaign in the United States, a haul that contributed to him being awarded the Golden Boot.

He found tremendous succe

свернуть