10 Famous Brazilian footballers from Pele to Ronaldinho

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Brazil is widely regarded as one of the most successful and passionate football nations in the world. Over the years, many talented footballers from Brazil have made a significant impact on the sport, both at the club and international level. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the most famous Brazilian footballers of all time.

Table of Contents

Pelé: Pelé, born Edson Arantes do Nascimento, is widely considered the greatest football player of all time. He spent the majority of his career playing for Santos FC in Brazil, where he won multiple domestic titles and the 1962 and 1963 Copa Libertadores. Pelé is also a three-time World Cup winner with Brazil, having won the tournament in 1958, 1962, and 1970. With over 1,000 career goals, he is widely regarded as the greatest scorer in the history of the sport.
Ronaldo: Ronaldo, often referred to as Ronaldo Luís Nazário de Lima or simply Ronaldo, is one of the most prolific goal-scorers in football history. He spent most of his career playing for top European clubs such as Barcelona, Inter Milan, Real Madrid, and AC Milan. Ronaldo is a two-time World Cup winner with Brazil, having won the tournament in 2002 and again in 2006. He is also a two-time Ballon d’Or winner, awarded to the best player in the world.
Romário: Romário de Souza Faria, simply known as Romário, is a retired Brazilian footballer who played as a striker. He is considered one of the best finishers in the history of the sport and is widely regarded as one of the greatest Brazilian footballers of all time. Romário was part of the 1994 World Cup winning Brazil team and won numerous league titles with various clubs, including PSV Eindhoven, FC Barcelona, and Valencia.
Ronaldinho: Ronaldinho Gaúcho, simply known as Ronaldinho, is a retired Brazilian footballer who played as an attacking midfielder. He is widely regarded as one of the most skilled and entertaining players in the history of the sport. He won the World Cup with Brazil in 2002, and is also a two-time Ballon d’Or winner. Ronaldinho spent most of his career playing for top European clubs such as Barcelona, AC Milan, and Paris Saint-Germain.
Neymar: Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior, simply known as Neymar, is a current Brazilian footballer who plays as a forward. He has been regarded as one of the best players in the world and has won numerous individual awards, including the Golden Foot and the Samba Gold. Neymar has also been part of the Brazil national team that won the 2013 Confederations Cup and the 2019 Copa América. He currently plays for Paris Saint-Germain.
Rivaldo: Rivaldo Vítor Borba Ferreira, simply known as Rivaldo, is a retired Brazilian footballer who played as an attacking midfielder. He is widely regarded as one of the best attacking players of his generation and was part of the Brazil national team that won the 2002 World Cup. Rivaldo spent most of his career playing for top European clubs such as Barcelona, AC Milan, and Olympiakos.
Zico: Arthur Antunes Coimbra, simply known as Zico, is a retired Brazilian footballer who played as an attacking midfielder. He is widely regarded as one of the best playmakers of all time and is often compared to other greats such as Pelé and Diego Maradona. Zico played for numerous clubs throughout his career, including Flamengo, Udinese, and Kashima Antlers.
Kaka: Ricardo Izecson dos Santos Leite, better known as Kaka, is a retired Brazilian footballer who played as an attacking midfielder. He is widely regarded as one of the most talented players of his generation and is known for his exceptional dribbling skills, vision, and passing ability. Kaka started his professional career with Sao Paulo in Brazil before moving to AC Milan in 2003. He quickly established himself as one of the best players in the world and won numerous individual awards, including the Ballon d’Or in 2007. In 2009, he moved to Real Madrid for a then-world record transfer fee of €65 million. Kaka played for several clubs throughout his career, including Orlando City and São Paulo, before retiring in 2018.
Roberto Carlos: Roberto Carlos da Silva Rocha, simply known as Roberto Carlos, is a retired Brazilian footballer who played as a left-back. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest defenders of all time and is known for his exceptional pace, skill, and powerful free-kicks. Roberto Carlos started his professional career with União São João in Brazil before moving to Palmeiras in 1993. He quickly established himself as one of the best left-backs in the world and won numerous individual awards, including the Ballon d’Or Silver Award in 2002. In 1996, he joined Real Madrid, where he won four La Liga titles and three UEFA Champions League titles. Roberto Carlos played for several clubs throughout his career, including Fenerbahçe and Corinthians, before retiring in 2012.
Gabriel Jesus: Gabriel Fernando de Jesus, simply known as Gabriel Jesus, is a current Brazilian footballer who plays as a forward. He is widely regarded as one of the most promising young talents in the world and has already won several individual awards, including the Premier League Golden Boot in 2021. Gabriel Jesus started his professional career with Palmeiras in Brazil before moving to Manchester City in 2017. He quickly established himself as one of the best forwards in the Premier League and has helped the club win several titles, including four Premier League titles and one Carabao Cup. Gabriel Jesus has also been a key player for the Brazil national team and has won several international tournaments, including the 2019 Copa America.

In conclusion, these are just a few of the many famous Brazilian footballers who have made a significant impact on the sport over the years. Brazil has produced many talented and successful footballers, and it is safe to say that their passion and love for the sport will continue to inspire future generations.

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Features and account management. 3 years media experience. Previously covered features for online and print editions.

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