10 Greatest Soccer Players in Brazil

Brazil’s iconic Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, an emblem of Brazil soccer history. With five World Cup titles, Brazil has produced numerous Brazilian football legends who became global soccer icons. From Pelé’s record-breaking brilliance to Neymar’s modern flair, this list of the 10 Greatest Soccer Players in Brazil highlights the top Brazilian football legends across generations. Each player’s club and international achievements are celebrated, making them true World Cup icons and heroes of the beautiful game.

Table of Contents

1. Pelé – The King of Football

Pelé (Edson Arantes do Nascimento) is often called the greatest soccer player in the world. A prolific Brazilian football legend, Pelé won three FIFA World Cups (1958, 1962, 1970) – still a record for any player. He burst onto the scene as a teenager, scoring the winning goals in the 1958 World Cup final at age 17 and becoming the youngest ever World Cup winner. In his international career he scored 77 goals in 92 games for Brazil, holding the national team scoring record for over 50 years.

Achievements: Three-time World Cup champion (’58, ’62, ’70); youngest World Cup winner at 17.
Goals: 643 goals in 659 games for Santos (club all-time top scorer); total over 1,200 career goals (club and country).
Awards: FIFA Player of the Century (shared with Maradona); multiple Ballon d’Or awards.
Legacy: Nicknamed “O Rei” (The King), Pelé connected the phrase “The Beautiful Game” with football and was honored as honorary president of New York Cosmos. He remains an everlasting icon in Brazil soccer history.

Pelé’s career at Santos FC and later the New York Cosmos made him an international superstar. He is credited with transforming soccer’s popularity and was for a time the highest-paid athlete in the world. For more on Brazil’s rich football legacy, see our Brazil’s soccer history article.

2. Garrincha – The Joyful Dribbler

Manuel Francisco dos Santos, nicknamed Garrincha, was Pelé’s contemporary and an exceptional right winger. Garrincha is widely regarded as one of the greatest dribblers and greatest players of all time. He shone in Brazil’s golden era, especially during the 1958 and 1962 World Cups, playing a vital role in both victories. In the 1962 World Cup, when Pelé was injured, Garrincha stepped up and led Brazil to the title. He became the first player to win the Golden Ball (best player), Golden Boot (top scorer) and the World Cup in the same tournament.

World Cup Success: Two-time World Cup winner (1958, 1962).
Individual Honors: 1962 World Cup Golden Ball and Golden Boot winner (first ever to achieve this double); FIFA World Cup All-Star Team 1958 and 1962.
Style: Nicknamed “Alegria do Povo” (People’s Joy), Garrincha’s dazzling dribbles and trickery thrilled fans. Brazil never lost a match when both Garrincha and Pelé played together.
Legacy: In 1994 Garrincha was named in the FIFA World Cup All-Time Team; he’s in the Brazilian Football Hall of Fame. The Maracanã’s home changing room is named after him, and the Brasília national stadium carries his nickname.

Garrincha’s impact on Brazil soccer is immense: he symbolized the flair and creativity of Brazilian football. His nickname “Bent-Legged Angel” reflects his unique style, and his story of triumph and hardship remains legendary. For insights on historic Brazil teams, check our Brazil national team achievements article.

3. Ronaldo – “O Fenômeno”

Ronaldo Luís Nazário de Lima, known simply as Ronaldo, was a phenomenal striker of the late 1990s and 2000s. Nicknamed “O Fenômeno”, he is widely considered one of the greatest strikers in football history. Ronaldo’s club success included record-breaking spells at Barcelona and Inter Milan, but he is most celebrated for his Brazil triumphs. He won two FIFA World Cups (1994 squad, 2002) and was runner-up in 1998.

World Cup Honors: World Cup winner 1994 (squad member) and 2002; runner-up 1998. In 1998 he received the World Cup Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player. In 2002 he scored twice in the final and won the Golden Boot (top scorer).
Goals: Scored 62 goals in 98 appearances for Brazil (third-highest national total). Ronaldo held the record for most World Cup goals (15) until 2006.
Accolades: Three-time FIFA World Player of the Year; two Ballon d’Or wins. At age 20, he became the youngest ever FIFA World Player of the Year and youngest Ballon d’Or winner.
Legacy: Ronaldo revolutionized the striker role with his pace and skill. After injuries, he made a dramatic comeback at the 2002 World Cup. He is part of Brazil’s legendary attacking trios (with Rivaldo and Ronaldinho in 2002).

Ronaldo’s club career spanned Cruzeiro, PSV, Barcelona, Inter, Real Madrid and more, scoring 200+ goals for club and country by age 23. He remains a global icon; his FIFA World Cup records and comeback story are celebrated by fans worldwide. For more stats and history, see FIFA’s profile on Ronaldo and Brazil’s national team records.

4. Zico – The “White Pelé”

Arthur Antunes Coimbra, known as Zico, was an attacking midfielder famed for his vision, technique and free-kick mastery. Often called the “White Pelé”, Zico is regarded as one of the greatest players of all time. He was Brazil’s creative playmaker in the late 1970s and early 1980s, leading a highly skilled national team that narrowly missed World Cup glory. While Brazil didn’t win a World Cup with Zico, he is remembered as “the greatest player never to win a World Cup”.

Skills: Renowned for his free kicks (scored 101 career free-kick goals), precise passing, and goal-scoring ability. Considered one of history’s best passers and finishers.
Club Success: Starred for Flamengo (Brazil) and Udinese (Italy). Won multiple Brazilian league titles and the 1981 Intercontinental Cup with Flamengo. Scored over 500 career goals (league and cup, club career totals).
Brazil: Scored 48 goals in 71 appearances (Caps). Played in the 1978, 1982, 1986 World Cups. The 1982 Brazilian team, featuring Zico, is often called one of the greatest squads despite a quarter-final exit.
Legacy: Pelé named Zico in his FIFA 100 list of living greats. Zico was South American Footballer of the Year (1977, 1981) and captain of Flamengo and Brazil. Today he is a global soccer ambassador and coach.

Zico’s technical brilliance inspired a generation; his impact on Brazil soccer history is immense. He brought flair and creativity that defined an era. For examples of Zico’s playmaking, watch highlights of his famous goals and assists for Brazil. (Zico is the figure in our Brazilian football history narratives, representing the skill of the nation).

5. Romário – The Prolific Scorer

Romário de Souza Faria is Brazil’s legendary goal machine. A diminutive striker with lethal finishing, Romário scored over 700 goals in his career. He was the star of Brazil’s 1994 World Cup-winning team, earning the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player. In 1994 he was also named FIFA World Player of the Year, cementing his status among the elite.

World Cup: Key forward in 1994 World Cup champions (USA 1994). His goals and movement led Brazil to victory. He was World Cup Golden Ball winner in 1994.
Goals: Scored 55 goals in 70 appearances for Brazil (fourth all-time for Brazil). Scored 165 goals in 167 matches for PSV Eindhoven (Netherlands) and 30 goals in 33 games to lead Barcelona to La Liga title in 1994–95.
Club Success: Multiple titles: 3 Eredivisie championships with PSV, 1994–95 La Liga with Barcelona (top scorer), 2000 Brasileiro Série A title with Vasco da Gama (Brazil).
Records: Ninth-highest goalscorer in world history (784 official goals in 1002 games). In 2004 Pelé included Romário in the FIFA 100 list of greatest living players.

Romário’s playing style (quick, opportunistic, with his famous toe-poke finish) made him a nightmare for defenders. After retiring, he entered politics in Brazil. His insider knowledge of Brazilian football and political career highlight how some legends continue to shape Brazil’s football culture off the pitch.

6. Ronaldinho – The Magical Maestro

Ronaldo de Assis Moreira, known as Ronaldinho or Ronaldinho Gaúcho, brought joy and creativity to football with his dazzling skill. A two-time FIFA World Player of the Year (2004, 2005) and Ballon d’Or winner (2005), Ronaldinho is widely regarded as one of the greatest players ever. He was the playmaker of Brazil’s 2002 World Cup-winning team, providing flair and scoring two goals in the quarter-final against England.

World Cup: Won the 2002 World Cup with Brazil. Integral part of Brazil’s attack (alongside Ronaldo and Rivaldo). Also won the 2005 FIFA Confederations Cup with Brazil.
Clubs: Starred at FC Barcelona (Spain) and AC Milan (Italy). At Barcelona (2003–2008), he won two La Liga titles, one UEFA Champions League (2006), and lit up the Champions League with goals and assists.
Style and Skills: Renowned for his amazing dribbling, tricks, no-look passes, and free kicks. Ronaldinho was a global icon, admired for his joyful play and smile. He’s nicknamed “O Bruxo” (The Wizard) for his magical skills.
Accolades: Only player ever to win the World Cup, Copa América, Confederations Cup, Champions League, Copa Libertadores, and Ballon d’Or. Two-time FIFA World Player of the Year. Named in FIFA 100 list by Pelé.

Ronaldinho’s influence extends beyond titles; he helped bring Barcelona into global prominence and influenced a generation of players with his creativity. His FIFA World Cup heroics and club success make him an essential Brazilian football legend.

7. Rivaldo – The Versatile Genius

Rivaldo Vítor Borba Ferreira was a versatile attacker known for his vision, control, and technical prowess. Brazilian midfielder/striker, Rivaldo won the Ballon d’Or and FIFA World Player of the Year in 1999. He was a key member of Brazil’s 2002 World Cup-winning team and earned a reputation as a clutch player.

World Cup & Copa América: Helped Brazil win the 1999 Copa América (he was Player of the Tournament) and the 2002 World Cup. In 2002, he scored in five of seven games and made the World Cup All-Star Team.
Club Success: Star of Barcelona (Spain) in late 1990s. Won two La Liga titles (1998, 1999) and scored one of the most famous goals – a last-minute overhead kick against Valencia that clinched Champions League qualification (often cited as one of greatest bicycle kicks). Totaled 130 goals in his Barcelona career. Also won the UEFA Champions League with AC Milan in 2003.
Awards: 1999 Ballon d’Or; 1999 FIFA World Player of the Year. Named in Pelé’s FIFA 100 greatest living players list.
Stats: Scored 35 goals in 74 Brazil caps, placing him among Brazil’s top international scorers (7th for Brazil).

Rivaldo’s combination of free kicks, creativity, and goals made him one of Brazil’s most complete attackers. His skill set and achievements qualify him as one of the great Brazilian football legends.

8. Sócrates – The Elegant Leader

Sócrates Brasileiro Sampaio de Souza Vieira de Oliveira (simply Sócrates) was an elegant, intelligent midfielder. Known for his beard and headband, he earned the nickname “Doctor Sócrates” for his medical degree and social activism. Widely regarded as one of the greatest midfielders of all time, Sócrates captained Brazil’s national team in the early 1980s.

Brazil Captain: Scored 22 goals in 60 caps for Brazil. Represented Brazil in the 1982 and 1986 World Cups. He was captain of the 1982 team (alongside Zico, Falcão, etc.) – a side often hailed as one of the greatest Brazil teams despite not winning the cup.
Style: A deep-lying playmaker, Sócrates was known for his vision, passing, and calm leadership on the pitch. In 1983 he was named South American Footballer of the Year.
Legacy: Member of Pelé’s FIFA 100 (2004) as one of the greatest living players. His social role in Brazil’s Democracia Corinthians movement made him a cultural icon. The Sócrates Award (by France Football) is named in his honor.

Sócrates’s impact goes beyond goals; he epitomized the intellectual and elegant side of Brazilian football. His legacy is commemorated in Brazilian sports culture and he remains a symbol of football with soul.

9. Roberto Carlos – The Powerhouse Fullback

Roberto Carlos da Silva Rocha is one of the most renowned left-backs in football history. Famous for his powerful shot and endless stamina, he defined the attacking fullback role. He played 125 times for Brazil (fourth-most caps) and appeared in three World Cups.

World Cups: Played in 1998 (runner-up) and won in 2002 (South Korea/Japan). He provided the legendary 40-yard bending free-kick goal for Brazil against France in 1997, which became iconic. Named to FIFA World Cup All-Star Teams in 1998 and 2002.
Club Career: Star of Real Madrid (1996–2007). Won 4 La Liga titles and 3 UEFA Champions Leagues with Real Madrid. Known for his fierce free kicks (often curling like a banana) and surging runs down the flank. He also played for Corinthians and Fenerbahçe, finishing with over 1,100 professional appearances.
Stats: 125 caps for Brazil with 11 goals, making him one of Brazil’s most capped players. Fourth-most appearances for Brazil.
Awards: Runner-up FIFA World Player of the Year (1997); part of France Football’s Best Foreign Eleven in Real Madrid history.

Roberto Carlos’s combination of athleticism and technique made him a World Cup icon and one of Brazil’s top players. His famous free-kick and presence at major tournaments solidify his place among Brazilian soccer legends.

10. Neymar – The Modern Star

Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior is the standout player of the new generation. A skilled forward who can play as a winger or striker, Neymar has become one of Brazil’s most accomplished players. He is Brazil’s all-time leading scorer, surpassing Pelé with 79 goals as of 2023. With exceptional dribbling and creativity, Neymar continues the legacy of Brazilian flair.

Brazil Records: Brazil’s top scorer (79 goals) and second-most capped player (128 caps). Youngest to score in a World Cup (2014). He is expected to break more scoring records as he plays into the late 2020s.
World Cup: Played in 2014, 2018, 2022. Won the 2016 Olympic Gold with Brazil (football) and the 2013 Confederations Cup. Starred in Brazil’s midfield, though a World Cup title has eluded him as of 2022.
Club Success: Started at Santos (Brazil), winning Copa Libertadores in 2011. Star of FC Barcelona’s attacking trio (2013–2017), winning La Liga and the 2015 Champions League. Later moved to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), where he won multiple Ligue 1 titles and the 2020 Champions League (runner-up).
Legacy: A skillful playmaker known for his stepovers, goals, and flair, Neymar is carrying forward Brazil’s football heritage. He has been named to UEFA Team of the Year and FIFPro World XI multiple times.

As a global superstar, Neymar bridges Brazil’s past legends with the present. His records for Brazil and his high-profile club career make him arguably the leading top Greatest Soccer Player in Brazil of the modern era.

Conclusion

Brazil’s greatest soccer players have defined eras of the sport. From Pelé’s 1970 World Cup-winning brilliance to Neymar’s record-breaking goal tally, these top Brazilian football icons have etched Brazil’s place in soccer history. Each legend on this list – Pelé, Garrincha, Ronaldo, Zico, Romário, Ronaldinho, Rivaldo, Sócrates, Roberto Carlos, and Neymar – contributed hugely to Brazil’s five World Cup triumphs and global reputation. Their accomplishments for clubs and country have inspired countless fans. Who do you think is the greatest soccer player in Brazil? Let us know in the comments below and share this article with fellow Brazil soccer fans!

FAQs:

Who is considered the greatest Brazilian soccer player of all time? Pelé is widely regarded as Brazil’s greatest, having won three World Cups and scored 77 goals for the national team.
Which Brazilian players have won the FIFA World Cup? Over 100 Brazilians have won World Cups. Notable examples include Pelé, Garrincha (1958,1962), Ronaldo and Ronaldinho (2002), Rivaldo (2002), and Kaka (2002), among others.
Who is Brazil’s all-time top goal scorer? Neymar currently holds the record with 79 goals for Brazil, surpassing Pelé’s 77 goals.
Which Brazilians have won the Ballon d’Or? Four Brazilians have won the Ballon d’Or: Rivaldo (1999), Ronaldo (1997, 2002), Ronaldinho (2005), and Kaká (2007).
Why is soccer important in Brazil? Soccer is Brazil’s passion and pride. It unites the nation and Brazil’s five World Cup wins (more than any country) reflect its storied football heritage.