Famous Brazilian Football Players
Imagine the world of football without the likes of Pele, Kaka, Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, Neymar, David Luiz, Thiago Silva or even Marcelo Grohe? It shall be like bread without butter or a country without government. Brazilian football players are the most renowned and well-known soccer stars that the world knows about. They are legends in their own right and have been frontrunners of Brazil’s success in soccer games. But before you go ahead and update yourself with some interesting or rather eye-opening facts about Brazilian footballing legends, their life and their play, here are some quick wits that are sure to leave you marvelled. Did you know that Brazil is the only country in the world that has qualified for every World Cup and till date holds the record for most World Cup victories than any other country? Astonished if you are, hold your heart as there are some more astounding facts. Brazil holds the record for the most consecutive wins and the most scored goals. It also holds the record for the most consecutive wins in World Cup plays. Much of that achievement wouldn’t have been possible without its shining army of players. Check this segment and find out about world-class Brazilian soccer stars.
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1
Neymar(Brazilian Professional Football Player Who Plays as a Forward)
Birthdate: February 5, 1992
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: State of São Paulo, Brazil
Amongst the best football players in the world presently, Neymar is a part of Brazil national team and French club Paris Saint-Germain. The prolific goal scorer debuted with Santos and played for Barcelona before joining PSG in a deal that made him the world’s most expensive player. He led Brazil national team to its first Olympic gold medal in 2016.
2
Pele(One of the Greatest Football Players of All Time)
Birthdate: October 23, 1940
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Tres Coracoes, Brazil
Brazilian football legend Edson Arantes do Nascimento, better known as Pele, was named the Football Player of the Century by the IFFHS. He called football “The Beautiful Game” and was one of the world’s highest-paid athlete for a while. His 1279 goals in 1363 games is a Guinness World Record.
3
Ronaldinho(Brazilian Retired Professional Football Player Who Played as an Attacking Midfielder)
Birthdate: March 21, 1980
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Porto Alegre, State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
Regarded as one of the best football players of all time, Ronaldinho played a crucial role in Brazil’s victory in 2002 FIFA World Cup. Later, he helped FC Barcelona win two La Liga and a UEFA Champions League title. The two time FIFA world Player of the Year, who retired in 2018, was known for his technical skills and creativity.
4
Ronaldo
(Brazilian Retired Professional Footballer Who Played as a Striker)
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.
5
Kaká(Brazilian Former Professional Football Payer Who Played as an Attacking Midfielder)
Birthdate: April 22, 1982
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Gama, Federal District, Brazil
Regarded as one of the best footballers of his generation, Kaká is a Brazilian retired football player. He is one of eight footballers to have won the Ballon d'Or, the UEFA Champions League, and the FIFA World Cup. Also known for his humanitarian work, Kaká has been working with the United Nations, as part of its World Food Programme initiative.
6
Dani Alves
(Brazilian Professional Footballer Who Plays as a Right-Back)
Birthdate: May 6, 1983
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Juazeiro, State of Bahia, Brazil
Dani Alves is a Brazilian professional footballer. He currently plays as a right-back for La Liga club Barcelona and the Brazil national team. He is widely considered one of the greatest full-backs of all time. With 46 titles at the senior level and 47 official titles overall, he is the most decorated player in the history of football.
7
Philippe Coutinho(Brazilian Professional Football Player Who Plays as an Attacking Midfielder and Winger)
Birthdate: June 12, 1992
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Brazilian footballer, Phillipe Coutinho, is hailed as one of the most talented midfielders and playmakers in the world. He has been a key player for Premier League clubs like Inter Milan, Liverpool, FC Barcelona and Bayern Munich. He was a member of the Brazilian national team that won the 2019 Copa America.
8
Rivaldo(Brazilian Former Football Player Who Played as an Attacking Midfielder)
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.
9
Roberto Carlos(Brazilian Former Professional Football Player Who Played as a Left-Back)
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.
10
Romário(One of the Greatest Football Players of All Time)
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.
11
Gabriel Jesus
(Football Brazilian Professional Footballer Who Plays as a Striker)
Birthdate: April 3, 1997
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Sao Paulo, Brazil
12
Thiago Silva
(Brazilian Professional Footballer Who Plays as a Centre-Back)
Birthdate: September 22, 1984
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Rio de Janeiro, State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Thiago Silva is a Brazilian professional footballer. He plays as a center-back for Premier League club Chelsea and the Brazil national team. He is counted among the best central defenders of his generation. He began playing football as a teenager and had a brilliant youth career. He made his international debut in 2008 and has appeared in seven major tournaments.
13
Marcelo
(Brazilian Professional Footballer Who Plays as a Left-Back)
Birthdate: May 12, 1988
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Rio de Janeiro, State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Brazilian footballer Marcelo Vieira, who now captains the Spanish club Real Madrid, is known as one of the world’s best left-backs. The Rio-born football star has previously had a successful stint with the Brazilian club Fluminense. He also won Brazil a team bronze and a team silver at the Olympics.
14
Casemiro
(Brazilian Professional Footballer Who Plays as a Defensive Midfielder)
Birthdate: February 23, 1992
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: São José dos Campos, Brazil
15
Alisson
(Brazilian Professional Footballer Who Plays as a Goalkeeper)
Birthdate: October 2, 1992
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Novo Hamburgo, Brazil
16
David Luiz
(Brazilian Professional Football Player Who Plays as a Centre-back)
Birthdate: April 22, 1987
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Diadema, Brazil
David Luiz is a Brazilian professional footballer. He currently plays for the Brazilian sports club Flamengo. He is primarily a center-back, but he can also play as a defensive midfielder. Since making his full international debut for Brazil in 2010, he has earned over 50 caps for his country. He also co-owns an Italian restaurant.
17
Richarlison
(Brazilian Professional Footballer Who Plays as a Forward)
Birthdate: May 10, 1997
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Nova Venécia, Brazil
18
Willian
(Brazilian Professional Footballer Who Plays as a Winger)
Birthdate: August 9, 1988
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Ribeirão Pires, Brazil
19
Fred
(Brazilian Professional Footballer Who Plays as a Midfielder)
Birthdate: March 5, 1993
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Belo Horizonte, State of Minas Gerais, Brazil
20
Hulk(Brazilian Professional Football Player Who Plays as a Forward)
Birthdate: July 25, 1986
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Campina Grande, Paraiba
Givanildo Vieira de Sousa, better known as Hulk due to his strong built, is a Brazilian football player. He is currently one of the most important members of the Shanghai SIPG F.C., which competes in the Chinese Super League. Also a key player for Brazil, Hulk helped his national team win the silver medal at the 2012 Summer Olympics.
21
Fabinho
(Brazilian Professional Footballer Who Plays as a Midfielder)
Birthdate: October 23, 1993
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Campinas, Brazil
22
Oscar
(Brazilian Professional Footballer Who Plays an Attacking Midfielder)
Birthdate: September 9, 1991
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Americana, São Paulo, Brazil
23
Marta
(Brazilian Professional Footballer Who Plays as a Forward)
Birthdate: February 19, 1986
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Dois Riachos, Alagoas, Brazil
24
Garrincha
(One of the Greatest Football Players of All Time)
Birthdate: October 28, 1933
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Pau Grande, Magé, State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Died: January 20, 1983
25
Douglas Costa
(Brazilian Professional Footballer Who Plays as a Winger)
Birthdate: September 14, 1990
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Sapucaia do Sul, Brazil
26
Ederson
(Brazilian Professional Footballer Who Plays as a Goalkeeper)
Birthdate: August 17, 1993
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Osasco, State of São Paulo, Brazil
27
Gabriel Martinelli
(Brazilian Professional Footballer Who Plays as a Left Winger)
Birthdate: June 18, 2001
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Guarulhos, Brazil
28
Zico
(Brazilian Retired Footballer and One of the Most Clinical Finishers and Best Passers Ever)
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.
29
Roberto Firmino(Brazilian Professional Footballer Who Plays as a Forward / Attacking Midfielder)
Birthdate: October 2, 1991
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Maceió, Brazil
Roberto Firmino started his career with Figueirense and Hoffenheim, before joining Liverpool, with whom he won the Champions League, the UEFA Super Cup, the FIFA Club World Cup, and a Premier League. Known for his no-look goals and Matador-style celebration, he was part of the 2019 Copa America-winning Brazil team
30
Adriano Leite Ribeiro
(Brazilian Former Professional Footballer Who Played as a Striker)
Birthdate: February 17, 1982
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Rio de Janeiro
31
Lucas Paquetá
(Brazilian Professional Footballer Who Plays as an Attacking Midfielder)
Birthdate: August 27, 1997
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
32
Raphinha
(Brazilian Professional Footballer Who Plays as a Winger)
Birthdate: December 14, 1996
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Porto Alegre, Brazil
33
Lucas Moura
(Brazilian Professional Footballer Who Last Played as a Right Winger and Forward)
Birthdate: August 13, 1992
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: São Paulo, Brazil
34
Robinho(Brazilian Former Professional Footballer Who Played as a Forward)
Birthdate: January 25, 1984
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: São Vicente, São Paulo São Vicente, Brazil
Robinho is a Brazilian football player who was lucky and talented enough to be picked by Pelé as his heir apparent when the former was 15 years old. However, his career has been marked by inconsistency and Robinho is often accused of not living up to his potential. He has also been convicted of sexual assault by an Italian court.
35
Ramires
(Brazilian Former Professional Footballer Who Played as a Midfielder)
Birthdate: March 24, 1987
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Barra do Piraí, Brazil
36
Jairzinho
(Brazilian Former Professional Footballer)
Birthdate: December 25, 1944
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Rio de Janeiro, State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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.
38
Tite
(Brazilian Professional Football Coach and Former Football Midfielder)
Birthdate: May 25, 1961
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Caxias do Sul, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
39
Júlio César Soares Espíndola
(Brazilian Former Professional Footballer Who Played as a Goalkeeper)
Birthdate: September 3, 1979
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Duque de Caxias, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
40
Carlos Alberto Torres
(Brazilian Football Player and Manager)
Birthdate: July 17, 1944
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Rio de Janeiro, State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Died: October 25, 2016
41
Sócrates
(Brazilian Footballer Who Played as a Midfielder)
Birthdate: February 19, 1954
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Belém, State of Pará, Brazil
Died: December 4, 2011
42
Dida
(Brazilian Former Footballer Who Played as a Goalkeeper)
Birthdate: October 7, 1973
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Irará, State of Bahia, Brazil
43
Cafu
(Brazilian Former Professional Footballer Who Plays as a Right-Back)
Birthdate: June 7, 1970
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Itaquaquecetuba, State of São Paulo, Brazil
44
Alexandre Pato
(Brazilian Professional Footballer Who Plays as a Striker)
Birthdate: September 2, 1989
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Pato Branco, Brazil
45
Lúcio
(Brazilian Former Professional Footballer Who Played as a Centre-Back)
Birthdate: May 8, 1978
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Planaltina, Federal District, Brazil
46
Rogério Ceni
(Brazilian Professional Football Coach and Former Player)
Birthdate: January 22, 1973
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Pato Branco, Brazil
47
Lucas Piazon
(Brazilian Professional Footballer Who Plays a Winger)
Birthdate: January 20, 1994
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: São Paulo, Brazil
48
Juninho Paulista
(Brazilian Former Footballer Who Played as an Attacking Midfielder)
Birthdate: February 22, 1973
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: São Paulo, Brazil
49
Luiz Gustavo
(Brazilian Professional Footballer Who Last Played as a Defensive Midfielder)
Birthdate: July 23, 1987
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Pindamonhangaba, State of São Paulo, Brazil
50
Gilberto Silva
(Brazilian Former Professional Footballer Who Played as a Defensive Midfielder)
Birthdate: October 7, 1976
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Lagoa da Prata, Minas Gerais, Brazil