Famous 20th Century Brazilian Sportspersons

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Find out more about the greatest 20th Century Brazilian Sportspersons, including José Aldo, Neymar, Ronaldinho, Ronaldo and Anderson Silva.
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 1 
Ronaldo
(Brazilian Retired Professional Footballer Who Played as a Striker)
Ronaldo
25
Birthdate: September 18, 1976
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Rio de Janeiro, State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Ronaldo Luís Nazário de Lima is a Brazilian retired professional footballer who played as a striker. Widely considered one of the greatest players of all time, he played for Brazil in 98 matches, scoring 62 goals. He was named FIFA World Player of the Year three times. He retired in 2011 and has since established himself as a successful businessperson.

 2 
Rafael dos Anjos
(Mixed Martial Artist)
Rafael dos Anjos
7
Birthdate: October 26, 1984
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Rafael dos Anjos is a Brazilian-American mixed martial artist. A former UFC Lightweight Champion, dos Anjos is renowned for his aggressive approach, which often takes his opponents by surprise. Characterized by his strong takedown capabilities and physical strength, dos Anjos holds victories over popular martial artists like Robbie Lawler and Benson Henderson.

 3 
Rivaldo
(Brazilian Former Football Player Who Played as an Attacking Midfielder)
Rivaldo
12
Birthdate: April 19, 1972
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: State of Pernambuco, Brazil
Brazilian former footballer Rivaldo is known for his powerful strikes and has had successful stints with the clubs Barcelona and Milan. He is the seventh-highest goal-scorer for Brazil and was part of the 2002 FIFA World Cup-winning team. Post-retirement, he appeared in the film I Am Not Salvador
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 4 
Roberto Carlos
(Brazilian Former Professional Football Player Who Played as a Left-Back)
Roberto Carlos
9
Birthdate: April 10, 1973
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Garça, São Paulo, Brazil

A major force behind Brazil’s World Cup win in 2002, Roberto Carlos was born into a poor peasant family and grew up working on his family farm. He soared to fame during his 11-season stint with Real Madrid, winning four La Liga titles and three UEFA Champions Leagues with them.

 5 
Romário
(One of the Greatest Football Players of All Time)
Romário
12
Birthdate: January 29, 1966
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Rio de Janeiro, State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
One of the most prolific goal scorers in the history of football, Romario has had an engaging and electric presence both on and off field. He starred in Brazil's 1994 FIFA World Cup triumph and was named the Player of The Tournament, earning a Golden Ball. He later turned to politics after he bid adieu to the field.
 6 
Fabrício Werdum
(Brazilian Mixed Martial Artist)
Fabrício Werdum
7
Birthdate: July 30, 1977
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Porto Alegre, State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
 7 
Ayrton Senna
(One of the Greatest F1 Drivers in the History of the Sport)
Ayrton Senna
6
Birthdate: March 21, 1960
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: São Paulo, Brazil
Died: May 1, 1994

Ayrton Senna was a Brazilian racing driver. Widely considered one of the greatest F1 drivers of all time, Ayrton had won the prestigious F1 World Drivers' Championship thrice. Following his fatal accident in 1994, several safety improvements were introduced to the sports' set-up; higher crash safety standards, redesigned tracks, and improved crash barriers became part of the sport.

 8 
Rubens Barrichello
(Racing Driver Who Competed in Formula One Between 1993 and 2011)
Rubens Barrichello
5
Birthdate: May 23, 1972
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: São Paulo, Brazil

Rubens Barrichello is a Brazilian racing driver best known for competing in Formula One and scoring 11 Grand Prix wins between 1993 and 2011. From 2000 to 2005, he drove for Ferrari as Michael Schumacher's teammate and contributed to five constructors' titles for Ferrari.

 9 
Nelson Piquet
(Brazilian Retired Racing Driver and Businessman)
Nelson Piquet
5
Birthdate: August 17, 1952
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Rio de Janeiro, State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

While he initially excelled in tennis, Nelson Piquet later made a name for himself as one of Brazil’s top racers. A 3-time world champion, the Formula One star later also ventured into business. He owned a GPS-tracking company and also launched the racing team Piquet Sports.

 10 
Emerson Fittipaldi
(Brazilian Formula One Racing Champion in 1972 and 1974)
Emerson Fittipaldi
4
Birthdate: December 12, 1946
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: São Paulo, Brazil

Emerson Fittipaldi is a Brazilian retired racing driver best known for winning both the Indianapolis 500 and the Formula One World Championship twice each. In 1972, he won the World Drivers' Championship at the age of 25, becoming the youngest F1 world champion. In 2001, Emerson Fittipaldi was made an inductee of the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America.

 11 
Hélio Gracie
(Martial artist)
Hélio Gracie
3
Birthdate: October 1, 1913
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Belém, State of Pará, Brazil
Died: January 29, 2009
 12 
Sócrates
(Football player)
Sócrates
3
Birthdate: February 19, 1954
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Belém, State of Pará, Brazil
Died: December 4, 2011
 13 
Vitor Belfort
(Mixed Martial Artist Who Competes in the Heavyweight, Middleweight Divisions)
Vitor Belfort
6
Birthdate: April 1, 1977
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
 14 
Garrincha
(Football player)
Garrincha
4
Birthdate: October 28, 1933
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Pau Grande, Magé, State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Died: January 20, 1983
 15 
Gabriel Jesus
(Football player)
Gabriel Jesus
10
Birthdate: April 3, 1997
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Sao Paulo, Brazil
 16 
Charles Oliveira
(Mixed martial artist)
Charles Oliveira
4
Birthdate: October 17, 1989
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Guarujá Guarujá, São Paulo, Brazil
 17 
Zico
(Brazilian Retired Footballer and One of the Most Clinical Finishers and Best Passers Ever)
Zico
4
Birthdate: March 3, 1953
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Zico is a Brazilian former football player renowned for his excellent technical skills. Counted among the best passers and finishers of all time, Zico was often called the White Pelé. Zico is also counted among the greatest players of all time and is widely regarded as one of the best free kick specialists in history.

 18 
Casemiro
(Association football player)
Casemiro
4
Birthdate: February 23, 1992
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: São José dos Campos
 19 
Willian
(Football player)
Willian
6
Birthdate: August 9, 1988
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Ribeirão Pires, Brazil
 20 
Richarlison
(Association football player)
Richarlison
4
Birthdate: May 10, 1997
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Nova Venécia, Brazil
 21 
Fred
(Football player)
Fred
5
Birthdate: March 5, 1993
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Belo Horizonte, State of Minas Gerais, Brazil
 22 
Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira
(Brazilian Retired Mixed Martial Artist)
Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira
4
Birthdate: June 2, 1976
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Vitória da Conquista, Brazil
 23 
Fabinho
(Association football player)
Fabinho
5
Birthdate: October 23, 1993
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Campinas, Brazil
 24 
Douglas Costa
(Association football player)
Douglas Costa
6
Birthdate: September 14, 1990
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Sapucaia do Sul
 25 
Gustavo Kuerten
(Tennis player)
Gustavo Kuerten
5
Birthdate: September 10, 1976
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Florianópolis, Brazil
Adriano Leite Ribeiro
7
Birthdate: February 17, 1982
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Rio de Janeiro
 27 
Rickson Gracie
(Mixed martial artist)
Rickson Gracie
4
Birthdate: November 21, 1958
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Rio de Janeiro, State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
 28 
Carlos Alberto Torres
(Football player)
Carlos Alberto Torres
3
Birthdate: July 17, 1944
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Rio de Janeiro, State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Died: October 25, 2016
 29 
Lucas Moura
(Association football player)
Lucas Moura
6
Birthdate: August 13, 1992
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: São Paulo, Brazil
 30 
Jairzinho
(Brazilian Former Football Player)
Jairzinho
3
Birthdate: December 25, 1944
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Rio de Janeiro, State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
 31 
Cafu
(Football player)
Cafu
4
Birthdate: June 7, 1970
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Itaquaquecetuba, State of São Paulo, Brazil
 32 
Carlos Gracie
(Martial Artist and Developer of ‘Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu’)
Carlos Gracie
3
Birthdate: September 14, 1902
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Belém, Pará, Brazil
Died: October 7, 1994

Remembered as a pioneer of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Carlos Gracie was enrolled into wrestling classes to channelize his aggression in childhood. He also followed what is known as the Gracie diet. Thirteen of his 21 children have the Brazilian Jiu-jitsu black belt. He and his family developed the Gracie Jiu-Jitsu.

 33 
Juninho Pernambucano
4
Birthdate: January 30, 1975
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Recife, State of Pernambuco, Brazil

Juninho Pernambucano is a Brazilian former football player. Renowned for his curling free kicks, Juninho is considered the greatest free kick-taker in football history; he holds the record for converting the maximum number of goals (75) through free kicks. On the personal front, Juninho speaks out publicly against racism in Brazil and doesn’t shy away from criticizing President Jair Bolsonaro.

 34 
Rivelino
(Footballer)
Rivelino
3
Birthdate: January 1, 1946
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: São Paulo, SP, Brazil
 35 
Ramires
(Association football player)
Ramires
8
Birthdate: March 24, 1987
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Barra do Piraí
 36 
Wanderlei Silva
(Former Mixed Martial Artist)
Wanderlei Silva
0
Birthdate: July 3, 1976
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Curitiba, State of Paraná, Brazil

Brazilian-American MMA fighter Wanderlei Silva, or The Axe Murderer, is known for his stints with the UFC and the Japanese Pride Fighting Championships. He set a Pride record for the longest winning streak. He has also participated in Bellator MMA contests and heads the MMA training organization Wand Fight Team.

 37 
Dida
(Football player)
Dida
3
Birthdate: October 7, 1973
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Irará, State of Bahia, Brazil
 38 
Renzo Gracie
(Mixed martial artist)
Renzo Gracie
3
Birthdate: March 11, 1967
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Rio de Janeiro, State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
 39 
Tite
(Professional Football Coach and Former Football Player)
Tite
4
Birthdate: May 25, 1961
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Caxias do Sul, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
 40 
Rorion Gracie
(Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Grand Master and Co-Founder of the ‘Ultimate Fighting Championship’)
Rorion Gracie
3
Birthdate: January 10, 1952
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Rio de Janeiro, State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Rorion Gracie is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Grand Master. Born into the famous Gracie family, which is credited with inventing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu or Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, Rorion Gracie is credited with co-founding the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). A multi-talented personality, Gracie is counted among the men responsible for introducing Brazilian Jiu-jitsu to the world. 

 41 
Royce Gracie
(One of the Most Influential Figures in the History of Mixed Martial Arts)
Royce Gracie
4
Birthdate: December 12, 1966
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Rio de Janeiro, State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Brazilian MMA fighter Royce Gracie, part of the renowned Gracie family of mixed martial artists, won the UFC 1, UFC 2, and UFC 4 championships. He made the Brazilian jiu-jitsu, or the Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, popular, and holds the 7th degree red/black coral belt in the art.

 42 
Renan Barão
(Mixed martial artist)
Renan Barão
4
Birthdate: January 31, 1988
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Natal, State of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil
 43 
Hélio Castroneves
(Racecar driver)
Hélio Castroneves
3
Birthdate: May 10, 1975
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: São Paulo

Brazilian racing driver Hélio Castroneves is a 4-time winner of the Indianapolis 500. Though accused of tax evasion once, he was eventually acquitted the charge. He has also been part of the show Dancing with the Stars and gained the nickname Spider-Man for his unique way of celebrating one of his track victories.

 44 
Lúcio
(Football player)
Lúcio
3
Birthdate: May 8, 1978
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Planaltina, Federal District, Brazil
 45 
Juninho Paulista
(Association football player)
Juninho Paulista
3
Birthdate: February 22, 1973
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: São Paulo
 46 
Gilberto Silva
(Association football player, Mandolinist)
Gilberto Silva
3
Birthdate: October 7, 1976
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Lagoa da Prata
Fred (footballer)
3
Birthdate: October 3, 1983
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Teófilo Otoni
 48 
Roger Gracie
(Jiu-Jitsu practitioner (10x world champion) and a retired mixed martial artist)
Roger Gracie
4
Birthdate: September 26, 1981
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
 49 
Alexandre Pato
(Association football player)
Alexandre Pato
6
Birthdate: September 2, 1989
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Pato Branco
 50 
Luiz Adriano
(Association football player)
Luiz Adriano
5
Birthdate: April 12, 1987
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Porto Alegre