10 Best Brazilian Football Players Of All Time

The best Brazilian football players are known for their incredible skill, creativity, and passion, making Brazil a legendary name in football history.

This article explores the most famous Brazilian football players of all time.

Best Brazilian Football Players

The list ranks the best Brazilian footballers, starting with the greatest.

1. Pele

• Birthdate. October 23, 1940
• Career Span. 1956–1977
• Clubs Played For. Santos (1956–1974), New York Cosmos (1975–1977)
• National Team. Brazil (1957–1971)

Pelé is widely celebrated as one of the greatest footballers of all time. Known for his unmatched skill and vibrant personality, he helped make football a global sport. 

Pelé scored over 1,200 goals during his career, including official and exhibition matches, though the exact number is often debated.

His creativity and success on the field symbolized Brazil’s dominance in football. Pelé’s standout performances in the 1958 and 1962 World Cups earned him the title of “national treasure” in 1961, preventing foreign clubs from signing him.

He is the only player in history to win three World Cups (1958, 1962, 1970). Beyond football, he wrote autobiographies, appeared in documentaries, and even composed music. Pelé passed away on December 29, 2022, from colon cancer, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire fans and players around the world.

2. Ronaldo (R9)

• Birthdate. September 22, 1976
• Career Span. 1993–2011
• Clubs Played For. Clubs Played For. Cruzeiro (1993–1994), PSV Eindhoven (1994–1996), Barcelona (1996–1997), Inter Milan (1997–2002), Real Madrid (2002–2007), AC Milan (2007–2008), Corinthians (2009–2011).
• National Team. Brazil (1994–2011)

Ronaldo, famously known as “El Fenomeno,” is one of the greatest strikers in football history. His incredible speed, skill, and finishing ability made him a nightmare for defenders worldwide. He scored 420 goals during his career and won two Ballon d’Or awards in 1997 and 2002, becoming the first Brazilian to claim this prestigious honor.

He played for top clubs like Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Inter Milan, impressing fans with his ability to score with both feet and his head, often from difficult angles. Ronaldo was also instrumental in Brazil’s 2002 World Cup victory, solidifying his legendary status.

Off the pitch, Ronaldo built a successful career as a businessman and philanthropist. His determination to overcome major injuries is one of football’s most inspiring stories. Ronaldo remains an icon of the sport, respected by fans and players.

3. Garrincha

• Birthdate. October 28, 1933
• Career Span. 1953–1972
• Clubs Played For. Serrano (1951), Botafogo (1953–1965), Corinthians (1966), Flamengo (1968–1969)
• National Team. Brazil (1955–1966)

Garrincha is one of the best Brazilian soccer players in history. Born with bent legs and one shorter than the other, doctors doubted he would ever walk. But he overcame these challenges and became famous for his incredible dribbling and speed.

He helped Brazil win two World Cups, in 1962 and 1970. In 1962, after Pelé got injured, Garrincha led the team to victory and became a hero. Many people still call him one of the greatest dribblers in football.

After his career ended, Garrincha faced personal struggles. He passed away in 1983, but his playing style and skill continue to inspire football fans and players everywhere.

4. Ronaldinho

• Birthdate. March 21, 1980
• Career Span. 1998–2015
• Clubs Played For. Gremio, Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona, AC Milan, Flamengo, Atletico Mineiro, Queretaro
• National Team. Brazil (1999–2013)

Ronaldinho was a star of Brazil players, known for his amazing dribbling, creativity, and joyful style of play. His skills and passion made him loved by fans all over the world and showed the magic of Brazilian football.

At Barcelona, he became one of the best players in the world, winning many titles and the 2005 Ballon d’Or. After leaving Barcelona, he played for AC Milan and later returned to Brazil to continue his career.

Ronaldinho retired in 2015 but is still remembered as one of the most exciting Brazilian footballers ever. Outside of football, he also explored music and appeared at events worldwide.

5. Rivaldo

• Birthdate. April 19, 1972
• Career Span. 1991–2015
• Clubs Played For. Santa Cruz, Mogi Mirim, Palmeiras, Deportivo La Coruña, Barcelona, AC Milan, Olympiakos, and AEK Athens.
• National Team. Brazil (1993–2003)

Rivaldo was highly skilled and often underrated because he played alongside more famous teammates. With a powerful left foot, great vision, and excellent free-kick skills, he was one of the best attacking midfielders of his time.

In 1999, Rivaldo won the Ballon d’Or, showing his incredible talent. He was a key player in Brazil’s 2002 World Cup-winning team and shined during his club career, especially at Barcelona. Despite his success, his role in Brazil’s achievements is sometimes overlooked.

After retiring, Rivaldo became a coach and football manager, continuing to make an impact in the sport.

6. Romario

• Birthdate. January 29, 1966
• Career Span. 1985–2007
• Clubs Played For. Vasco da Gama, PSV Eindhoven, Barcelona, Flamengo, Valencia, Fluminense.
• National Team. Brazil (1987–2005)

Romário is known as one of the best finishers in football history. He had an incredible ability to score in tight spaces, using simple but effective movements. While he found success in Europe with PSV Eindhoven and Barcelona, he became a true legend in Brazil.

Romário played a crucial role in Brazil’s 1994 World Cup win, where his precise finishing stood out, often getting past some of the best football goalkeepers in the world with his sharp instincts and quick footwork. Over his career, he scored more than 700 goals. Despite being smaller, his skill, intelligence, and roots in street football made him a beloved figure in Brazil and worldwide.

7. Neymar

• Birthdate. February 5, 1992
• Career Span. 2009–present
• Clubs Played For. Santos, Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, Al Hilal
• National Team. Brazil (2010–present)

Neymar is one of Brazil’s top football players, known for his amazing dribbling and skill. He started his career at Santos, where his talent quickly gained worldwide attention. 

At Barcelona, he played alongside Messi and Suárez, creating one of the most powerful attacking teams in football.

In 2017, Neymar transferred to Paris Saint-Germain for a record-breaking fee. He has been a key player for Brazil, winning important titles like the Copa América and an Olympic gold medal. 

Off the field, Neymar is popular for his vibrant personality and involvement in various business ventures. He continues to be one of the world’s most famous and successful football players.

8. Zico

• Birthdate. March 3, 1953
• Career Span. 1971–1994
• Clubs Played For. Flamengo, Udinese, Kashima Antlers
• National Team. Brazil (1976–1986)

Zico is known as one of Brazil’s best football players who never won a World Cup. He was famous for his skills, smart plays, and amazing free kicks. Zico was the star of Flamengo in the 1980s, and later, he played for Udinese in Italy, where he impressed fans with his talent.

In the 1990s, he moved to Japan to play for Kashima Antlers and helped grow football there. Zico played in three World Cups, but his team didn’t win. Still, people admired his talent, and he was called “The White Pelé.” After finishing his career as a player, he became a coach and stayed connected to football.

9. Didi

• Birthdate. October 8, 1928
• Career Span. 1947–1966
• Clubs Played For. Madureira, Fluminense, Botafogo, Real Madrid, Sporting Cristal, CD Veracruz, São Paulo
• National Team. Brazil (1952–1962)

Didi was one of Brazil’s best midfielders and played a big part in winning the 1958 World Cup. He was known for his accurate passes and special “dry leaf” free-kick style. Didi’s smart plays helped teammates like Pelé and Garrincha shine on the field.

He grew up poor and sold peanuts to support his family but went on to become a football star. Didi won two World Cups (1958 and 1962) and helped Botafogo become one of the top teams in Brazil. He also played for Real Madrid for a short time. After retiring, Didi became a coach and kept working in football.

10. Jairzinho

• Birthdate. December 25, 1944
• Career Span. 1960–1982
• Clubs Played For. Botafogo, Marseille, Kaizer Chiefs, Cruzeiro, Portuguese clubs, Noroeste, Bangu, Jorge Wilstermann, Octavio 9
• National Team. Brazil (1964–1982)

Jairzinho made history in the 1970 World Cup by becoming the first player to score in every match, a record that still stands. Known for his incredible speed, skill, and versatility, he could play on both wings or as a forward, often leaving defenders helpless with his dribbling and sharp finishing.

He was a key part of Brazil’s 1970 World Cup victory, helping secure their third title. Jairzinho spent most of his club career at Botafogo, where he became a fan favorite, but he also played in France, Portugal, and Bolivia.

While his club performances were impressive, his unforgettable World Cup achievements made him a legend in Brazil’s golden era of football.

Best Brazilian Football Players Summary

Brazil has produced some of the greatest football players in history, and they are celebrated for their skill, creativity, and passion. Legends like Pelé, who won three World Cups, and Ronaldo, known for his speed and goal-scoring, have left a lasting impact on the sport. 

Players like Ronaldinho, Rivaldo, and Neymar brought excitement and flair, while Garrincha and Jairzinho stood out with their exceptional talent during Brazil’s golden era.

These players have shaped Brazil’s football legacy, inspiring fans and future generations. Their achievements, from World Cup victories to unforgettable club performances, have solidified Brazil’s place as a football powerhouse.

FAQs About Best Brazilian Footballers 

Who is the best Brazilian footballer of all time?

Pelé is considered Brazil’s best football player and one of the greatest in football history, winning three World Cups and scoring over 1,200 goals.

Who are the best Brazilian football players ever?

The best Brazilian footballers include Pelé, Ronaldo, Garrincha, Ronaldinho, Rivaldo, and Neymar. These players have left an unforgettable mark on both club and international football.

Which Brazilian players have won the most World Cups?

Pelé holds the record as the only player to win three World Cups (1958, 1962, 1970). Other famous players like Garrincha and Ronaldo have won two each.

What makes Brazilian soccer players unique?

Brazilian players are known for their flair, creativity, and exceptional technical skills, which have defined the country’s legendary football style.

Who are Brazil's best football players in club history?

Ronaldo (Real Madrid, Inter Milan), Ronaldinho (Barcelona, AC Milan), and Rivaldo (Barcelona) are among the best Brazilian players ever to shine in club football.