Are you looking for the Brazil Best Football Player ever? This article dives into the top Brazilian soccer legends, highlighting their achievements, skills, and impact on the sport. For reliable answers and expert insights, stick with CAUHOI2025.UK.COM! Discover the greatest Brazilian footballers and their incredible contributions to the beautiful game with us.
Ranking Factors
As in football, opinions vary. Football fans have thoughts and feelings on every topic, so measures were put in place for our rankings. We determined the order using:
- Longevity
- International success
- Club success
- Technical ability
- Goals
- Assists
Brazil’s Greatest Footballers
20. Taffarel
Brazil Caps: 101
Claudio Taffarel celebrates Brazil
Goalkeepers’ reputations can swing on a single mistake, especially in Brazil. Moacir Barbosa, the nation’s number one at the 1950 World Cup, was exiled after conceding two goals in the home tournament’s showpiece fixture to Uruguay. Taffarel kept Italy at bay for 120 minutes in the 1994 World Cup final before leading Brazil to a penalty shootout victory.
After a poor outing, Claudio insisted on being called Taffarel. He represented a new era of modern goalkeeping, excelling for Parma and Galatasaray in Europe. According to FIFA, Taffarel’s penalty-saving prowess was crucial to Brazil’s success in the 1990s.
| Taffarel’s Career |
|---|
| Team |
| Internacional |
| Parma |
| Reggiana |
| Atletico Mineiro |
| Galatasaray |
| Parma |
| Brazil |
19. Marcelo
Brazil Caps: 58
Marcelo celebrates for Brazil
Marcelo, the former Real Madrid superstar, was Cristiano Ronaldo’s right-hand man for years at Los Blancos. He secured five Champions Leagues, domestic cups, and six La Liga titles. According to UEFA, Marcelo’s contributions to Real Madrid’s success were unparalleled.
His field-crossing balls, ability to fly up the flank, and astute defending were second to none. With 58 caps, Marcelo won the Confederations Cup in 2013 and had a good run at the 2014 World Cup.
| Marcelo’s Career |
|---|
| Team |
| Fluminense |
| Real Madrid |
| Olympiacos |
| Brazil |
18. Roberto Carlos
Brazil Caps: 127
Roberto Carlos
Roberto Carlos, one of the greatest left-backs, featured for Inter Milan and Real Madrid and was a permanent fixture in Brazil’s 2002 World Cup success. According to ESPN, Roberto Carlos’ free-kick against France is one of the most iconic goals in football history.
His law-defying shooting ability and roaming up and down the flank left spectators dumbfounded. He is one of the most entertaining and iconic players of the modern era.
| Roberto Carlos’ Career |
|---|
| Team |
| Uniao Sao Joao |
| Atletico Mineiro (loan) |
| Palmeiras |
| Inter Milan |
| Real Madrid |
| Fenerbache |
| Corinthians |
| Anzhi Makhachkala |
| Delhi Dynamos |
| Brazil |
17. Gerson
Brazil Caps: 70
Gerson celebrating for Brazil
Gerson, known as ‘The Brain’ of Brazil’s 1970 World Cup-winning side, was left out of Pele’s list of the 125 greatest living footballers in 2004. His cool, calculating style on the pitch made him fundamental to the most iconic triumph in World Cup history. According to the BBC, Gerson’s playmaking ability was crucial to Brazil’s success in the 1970 World Cup.
| Gerson’s Career |
|---|
| Team |
| Flamengo |
| Botafogo |
| Sao Paulo |
| Fluminense |
| Brazil |
16. Rivelino
Brazil Caps: 92
Rivelino
Rivelino, known for his threatening, hard-hitting shot, spent the best part of his career earning his corn for Corinthians. According to Goal.com, Rivelino was one of the most technically gifted players of his generation.
The attack-minded playmaker was almost one of the pioneers of Ronaldinho’s trademarked ‘flip-flap’. He had a moustache to die for, too.
| Rivelino’s Career |
|---|
| Team |
| Corinthians |
| Fluminese |
| Al Hilal |
| Brazil |
15. Falcao
Brazil Caps: 28
Falcao Brazil
Falcao, often hailed as an ‘unsung genius,’ was overshadowed by Socrates and Zico. He was the fulcrum of Roma’s greatest-ever side. According to Sports Illustrated, Falcao’s time at Roma cemented his legacy as one of the greatest midfielders in history.
He won a Serie A crown and reached the 1984 European Cup final. Falcao’s greatest honour is his enduring reputation as ‘The Eighth King of Rome’.
| Falcao’s Career |
|---|
| Team |
| Internacional |
| Roma |
| Sao Paulo |
| Brazil |
14. Carlos Alberto
Brazil Caps: 54
Carlos Alberto
Carlos Alberto offered both flair and defensive capabilities. He was a pivotal part of that famous star-studded Brazil side from 1970. According to the New York Times, Carlos Alberto’s leadership and skill made him one of the greatest defenders of all time.
He was a pivotal part of that famous star-studded Brazil side from 1970. Alberto unfortunately passed away in 2016, but his legacy will live on forever in the minds of football fans.
| Carlos Alberto’s Career |
|---|
| Team |
| Fluminese |
| Santos |
| Flamengo |
| New York Cosmos |
| California Surf |
| Brazil |
13. Cafu
Brazil Caps: 143
Cafu
Cafu, one of the greatest full-backs, boasts a first-place spot as Brazil’s most-capped player. According to FIFA, Cafu is the only player to ever appear in three World Cup finals.
He won the World Cup in 1994 and 2002 and was an integral cog in the nation’s well-oiled machine. With full-backs growing in importance, Cafu remains the measuring stick to which the best right-backs are compared.
| Cafu’s Career |
|---|
| Team |
| Sao Paulo |
| Real Zaragoza |
| Juventude |
| Palmeiras |
| Roma |
| AC Milan |
| Brazil |
12. Kaka
Brazil Caps: 92
Kaka
Kaka was the best in the world for a while, winning the Ballon d’Or in 2007 after guiding AC Milan to Champions League revenge over Liverpool. According to France Football, Kaka’s Ballon d’Or win in 2007 solidified his place among the footballing elite.
He was a sublime player, a creative genius. Kaka led by example both on and off the pitch. His underwhelming spell at Real Madrid is the only reason the former attacking midfielder finds himself so low on the list.
| Kaka’s Career |
|---|
| Team |
| Sao Paulo |
| AC Milan |
| Real Madrid |
| AC Milan |
| Orlando City |
| Brazil |
11. Socrates
Brazil Caps: 60
Socrates in action for Brazil
Socrates was the maverick Brazilian star who loved a smoke, was no stranger to a drink, and certainly wasn’t afraid to speak his political mind. According to The Guardian, Socrates was not only a brilliant footballer but also a qualified doctor who stood for political change.
He captained Brazil at the 1982 World Cup and, in doing so, took charge of what many believe to be the greatest national team ever. However, his side suffered defeat at the hands of Italy and were eliminated from the tournament.
| Socrates’ Career |
|---|
| Team |
| Botafogo |
| Corinthians |
| Fiorentina |
| Flamengo |
| Santos |
| Garforth Town |
| Brazil |
FAQ: Brazil Best Football Player
Who is considered the greatest Brazilian footballer of all time?
Pele is widely regarded as the greatest Brazilian footballer of all time, and many believe he is the best player ever.
How many World Cups has Brazil won?
Brazil has won the FIFA World Cup five times (1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, and 2002), more than any other country.
Which Brazilian player has the most goals in their career?
Pele has scored the most goals in his career, with over 1,000 goals in total.
Who are some other notable Brazilian footballers?
Other notable Brazilian footballers include Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, Zico, Socrates, and Neymar.
Which Brazilian defender is considered one of the best ever?
Cafu is widely regarded as one of the best Brazilian defenders and full-backs of all time.
Who was the captain of Brazil’s 1970 World Cup-winning team?
Carlos Alberto Torres was the captain of Brazil’s 1970 World Cup-winning team.
Which Brazilian player won the Ballon d’Or in 2007?
Kaka won the Ballon d’Or in 2007.
Who is Brazil’s all-time leading goalscorer?
Pele is Brazil’s all-time leading goalscorer with 77 goals.
Which Brazilian player is known for his free-kick ability?
Roberto Carlos is known for his powerful free kicks and ability to score from long range.
Which Brazilian player is known for the “flip-flap” move?
Ronaldinho is known for popularizing the “flip-flap” or “elastico” move.
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Conclusion
Brazil has produced some of the most talented and iconic footballers in history. From Pele to Neymar, these players have captivated audiences with their skill, athleticism, and passion for the game. Their contributions have solidified Brazil’s place as a footballing powerhouse. Do you have more questions or need in-depth answers? At CAUHOI2025.UK.COM, we provide reliable, well-researched information to address all your queries.
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