Famous 20th Century Brazilian Sportspersons

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 
Rivaldo
(Brazilian Former Football Player Who Played as an Attacking Midfielder)
Rivaldo
13
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
 3 
Roberto Carlos
(Brazilian Former Professional Football Player Who Played as a Left-Back)
Roberto Carlos
10
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.

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 4 
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.
 5 
Rickson Gracie
(Brazilian Mixed Martial Artist)
Rickson Gracie
4
Birthdate: November 21, 1959
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Rio de Janeiro, State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
 6 
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.

 7 
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.

 8 
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.

 9 
Garrincha
(One of the Greatest Football Players of All Time)
Garrincha
4
Birthdate: October 28, 1933
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Pau Grande, Magé, State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Died: January 20, 1983
 10 
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.

 11 
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.

 12 
Fabrício Werdum
(Brazilian Mixed Martial Artist and Former UFC Heavyweight Champion)
Fabrício Werdum
7
Birthdate: July 30, 1977
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Porto Alegre, State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
 13 
Hélio Castroneves
(Brazilian Auto Racing Driver)
Hélio Castroneves
3
Birthdate: May 10, 1975
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: São Paulo, Brazil

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.

 14 
Vitor Belfort
(Brazilian Professional Boxer and Retired Mixed Martial Artist)
Vitor Belfort
6
Birthdate: April 1, 1977
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
 15 
Gustavo Kuerten
(Brazilian Former Tennis Player)
Gustavo Kuerten
5
Birthdate: September 10, 1976
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Florianópolis, Brazil
 16 
Jairzinho
(Brazilian Former Professional Footballer)
Jairzinho
3
Birthdate: December 25, 1944
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Rio de Janeiro, State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
 17 
Carlos Alberto Torres
(Brazilian Football Player and Manager)
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
 18 
Cafu
(Brazilian Former Professional Footballer Who Plays as a Right-Back)
Cafu
4
Birthdate: June 7, 1970
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Itaquaquecetuba, State of São Paulo, Brazil
 19 
Sócrates
(Brazilian Footballer Who Played as a Midfielder)
Sócrates
0
Birthdate: February 19, 1954
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Belém, State of Pará, Brazil
Died: December 4, 2011
 20 
Bob Burnquist
(Brazilian-American Professional Skateboarder)
Bob Burnquist
3
Birthdate: October 10, 1976
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
 21 
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.

 22 
Hélio Gracie
(Brazilian Martial Artist and Judo Player)
Hélio Gracie
0
Birthdate: October 1, 1913
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Belém, State of Pará, Brazil
Died: January 29, 2009
 23 
Adriano Leite Ribeiro
(Brazilian Former Professional Footballer Who Played as a Striker)
Adriano Leite Ribeiro
7
Birthdate: February 17, 1982
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Rio de Janeiro
 24 
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.

 25 
Didi
(Footballer)
Didi
4
Birthdate: October 8, 1928
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Campos dos Goytacazes, Brazil
Died: May 12, 2001
 26 
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.

 27 
Falcão
(Brazilian Retired Professional Futsal Player)
Falcão
3
Birthdate: June 8, 1977
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: São Paulo, State of São Paulo, Brazil
 28 
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.

 29 
Tite
(Brazilian Professional Football Coach and Former Football Midfielder)
Tite
4
Birthdate: May 25, 1961
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Caxias do Sul, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
 30 
Rorion Gracie
(Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Grand Master and Co-Founder of the ‘Ultimate Fighting Championship’)
Rorion Gracie
0
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. 

 31 
Júlio César Soares Espíndola
(Brazilian Former Professional Footballer Who Played as a Goalkeeper)
Júlio César Soares Espíndola
4
Birthdate: September 3, 1979
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Duque de Caxias, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
 32 
Dida
(Brazilian Former Footballer Who Played as a Goalkeeper)
Dida
3
Birthdate: October 7, 1973
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Irará, State of Bahia, Brazil
 33 
Renzo Gracie
(Brazilian Mixed Martial Artist)
Renzo Gracie
3
Birthdate: March 11, 1967
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Rio de Janeiro, State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
 34 
Gilberto Silva
(Brazilian Former Professional Footballer Who Played as a Defensive Midfielder)
Gilberto Silva
3
Birthdate: October 7, 1976
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Lagoa da Prata, Minas Gerais, Brazil
 35 
Lúcio
(Brazilian Former Professional Footballer Who Played as a Centre-Back)
Lúcio
3
Birthdate: May 8, 1978
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Planaltina, Federal District, Brazil
 36 
Juninho Paulista
(Brazilian Former Footballer Who Played as an Attacking Midfielder)
Juninho Paulista
3
Birthdate: February 22, 1973
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: São Paulo, Brazil
 37 
Rogério Ceni
(Brazilian Professional Football Coach and Former Player)
Rogério Ceni
3
Birthdate: January 22, 1973
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Pato Branco, Brazil
 38 
Maria Bueno
(Brazilian Professional Tennis Player)
Maria Bueno
2
Birthdate: October 11, 1939
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: São Paulo, State of São Paulo, Brazil
Died: June 8, 2018
 39 
Dunga
(Brazilian Football Manager and Former Professional Player Who Played as a Defensive Midfielder)
Dunga
3
Birthdate: October 31, 1963
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Ijuí, Brazil
 40 
Evangelista Santos
(Brazilian Retired Mixed Martial Artist)
Evangelista Santos
4
Birthdate: December 12, 1977
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Rondonopolis, Brazil
 41 
Nílton Santos
(Brazilian Footballer Who Primarily Played as a Wingback)
Nílton Santos
2
Birthdate: May 16, 1925
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Rio de Janeiro, State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Died: November 27, 2013
 42 
João Ramos do Nascimento
(Brazilian Footballer Who Played as a Centre Forward)
João Ramos do Nascimento
5
Birthdate: October 2, 1917
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Campos Gerais, Minas Gerais, Brazil
Died: November 16, 1996
 43 
Leonardo Araújo
(Brazilian Football Player and Manager)
Leonardo Araújo
3
Birthdate: September 5, 1969
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Niterói, Brazil
 44 
Rivelino
(Brazilian Football Pundit and Former Footballer)
Rivelino
0
Birthdate: January 1, 1946
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: São Paulo, SP, Brazil
 45 
Anderson Varejao
(Basketball player)
Anderson Varejao
4
Birthdate: September 28, 1982
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Colatina, Brazil
 46 
Mitsuyo Maeda
(Brazilian Mixed Martial Artist)
Mitsuyo Maeda
3
Birthdate: November 18, 1878
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Hirosaki, Aomori, Japan
Died: November 28, 1941
 47 
João Havelange
(7th President of FIFA)
João Havelange
3
Birthdate: May 8, 1916
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Rio de Janeiro
Died: August 16, 2016
 48 
Oscar Schmidt
(Retired Basketball player who became the most prolific scorer in the history of professional basketball with 49,737 points)
Oscar Schmidt
3
Birthdate: February 16, 1958
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil
 49 
Djalma Santos
(One of the Greatest Football Right-Backs of All Time)
Djalma Santos
2
Birthdate: February 27, 1929
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: São Paulo, Brazil
Died: July 23, 2013
 50 
Juliano Belletti
(Brazilian Football Coach and Former Player Who Mostly Played as a Right Back)
Juliano Belletti
3
Birthdate: June 20, 1976
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Cascavel, State of Paraná, Brazil