The 10 Most Famous Brazilian Soccer Players of All Time

I'm a lucky Brazilian.

When foreigners meet me for the first time, as soon as they see me, they can't possibly misconstrue that I could be a Brazilian soccer player.

Moreover, I don't understand soccer much. It's as alien a concept to me as synesthesia.

But I understand soccer expressions (being a Portuguese teacher) and soccer players (reading many tabloids). And if you're this interested in Brazil or Brazilian culture, knowing who the most famous Brazilian soccer players of all time are gives you an edge when talking to Brazilians.

Why do I need to know those Brazilian soccer players?

Because they're in everyone's tip of the tongue.

If someone is a great soccer player, comparisons with Pelé are unavoidable, even though Pelé hasn't been around for a while.

In fact, Pelé was so important that his name became a dictionary entry (much to many people's chagrin).

You won't find a Brazilian aged 30+ who doesn't remember Ronaldinho's beef with a group of transvestite prostitutes he refused to pay after business dealings.

Or the fact that a Brazilian bar offered a free round of shots (drinkable ones, mind you) each time Neymar fell during a match.

See? Even if you're not interested in Brazilian soccer much (or don’t need to understand more), knowing who the greatest Brazilian soccer players were will help you integrate with our society faster and more deeply.

Now, on to the list of the most famous Brazilian soccer players!

1. Pelé

Even after his passing in 2022, Pelé’s legacy lives on as the greatest footballer of the 20th century. Born into poverty, Pelé’s first football was a grapefruit, and sometimes he'd use a ball made of socks for football (something prevalent in poorer areas in Brazil). From there, he rose to become a symbol of Brazil’s footballing prowess, scoring an incredible 1,281 goals in his career - a Guinness World Record that is widely cited whenever discussing his career.

2. Zico

Seventy-year-old Zico, known as the 'White Pelé,' was a wizard on the field. His unparalleled skill and knack for goal-scoring made him a national icon in Brazil and, later, an international sensation in Japan.

3. Romário

At 57, Romário is remembered for his impeccable finishing abilities, which saw him excel both in Brazil and with the formidable FC Barcelona. Romário's legacy extended beyond the pitch as he transitioned to politics after his retirement, becoming a senator, a position he holds to this day (in 2023, when I wrote this article).

4. Ronaldo

Ronaldo, 46, better known as 'O Fenômeno,' is remembered for his extraordinary dribbling (something my friends used to call "drible da vaca," or dribbling of the cow) and accurate goal-scoring prowess. After suffering a series of career-threatening injuries (something familiar to soccer players), his triumphant return to win the 2002 FIFA World Cup remains one of the most inspiring stories in football.

5. Ronaldinho Gaúcho

At 43, Ronaldinho Gaúcho remains a symbol of Samba-style soccer, his infectious smile reflecting the joy he brought to fans globally. His magic with the ball was something to behold - a virtuoso of the beautiful game. As a journalist ironically remarked, he is the only player to win the World Cup, UEFA Champions League, the Ballon d'Or... and the jail championship [in Portuguese] since he was involved in some scandals in Paraguay.

6. Kaká

Kaká (stress on the last syllable, otherwise you'll say "poop"), 41, was a symphony in motion on the football pitch. His unique blend of elegance and skill saw him claim the Ballon d'Or in 2007, becoming the last player to do so before the Messi-Ronaldo era. Kaka is also recognized off the field for his philanthropy and served as a UN Ambassador against hunger.

7. Sócrates

The late Sócrates, who would have been 69, was a unique figure in football. His intelligence, reflected in his elegant style of play, made him a legend. He was a qualified doctor off the field—being called "Doutor Sócrates" or just "doutor" in the field. Sócrates was also a champion of democracy and used his platform to speak out against the military dictatorship in Brazil.

8. Garrincha

Mané Garrincha, who would have turned 80 this year, is a testament to the adage that physical limitations are no barrier to talent. His dazzling dribbling skills earned him the nickname 'joy of the people,' a title that became the name of a documentary (originally with the questionable English name "Hero of the Jungle"). Unbeaten in every match he played alongside Pelé, Garrincha left an indelible mark on Brazilian football.

9. Cafu

Cafu, now 52, is remembered for his tireless runs along the flanks, revolutionizing the role of full-backs. His illustrious career made him the most capped Brazilian player and the only one to appear in three consecutive World Cup finals: 1994, 1998, and 2002.

10. Neymar

At 31, Neymar is the shining star of the current generation. His audacious skills and flamboyant style of play make him one of the most exciting players to watch. His most significant achievement on the international stage came when he scored the winning penalty at the 2016 Olympics, delivering Brazil their long-awaited first football Olympic gold medal.

I know I left an essential part of the soccer players out of this list...

And I'll make amends for it.

But do you know how hard it is to choose only ten players in a country that breathes and lives soccer? In a place where most poor kids dream of becoming soccer players because that's the only way out of poverty that they ever know?

I don't want to get too emotional here, but that's an arduous task that has to be done in steps.

In a future article, I'll talk about female soccer players — they're more recognized now than they were in the past — and other aspects of soccer that you, my little friend, may not know but will probably be grateful to know.

After all, Brazil’s footballing legacy is a mesmerizing tapestry woven with awe-inspiring talent and unforgettable moments. From Pelé to Neymar, these luminaries have not just made Brazil a powerhouse in the world of football but have also inspired millions across the globe.

And how about you? Do you have any favorite Brazilian soccer players? Leave their name in the comments, and tell us why they're your favorite!