Ranking The Top Best Brazilian Soccer Players of All Time

Ranking The Top Best Brazilian Soccer Players of All Time

Mark Kinyanjui 21:52 - 20.04.2025

From Rivaldo to Ronaldinho, here are the 10 greatest Brazilian Soccer Players of All Time.

Since football was officially introduced to the world, The Brazilian National Football Team has been considered by many to be the symbol of the sport.

Over the following  years, many players have contributed to making that yellow shirt as iconic as it is now. 

As the most successful nation in soccer history, with a record five World Cup titles, Brazil has produced some of the finest players the sport has ever seen—from flying full-backs and magical midfield maestros to iconic, era-defining strikers.

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Here, we rank the top 10 Brazilian soccer players of all time.

Ranking The Top Best Brazilian Soccer Players of All Time

10. Rivaldo

Ranking The Top Best Brazilian Soccer Players
Rivaldo won the 1999 Balon D'Or

Rivaldo is remembered not just for his elegance and ability to change the outcome of games with his sheer brilliance, but also for his longevity.

During his prime in the late 1990s and early 2000s, Rivaldo was a complete attacking midfielder who had the ability to contribute goals to his side and dominate the midfield.

In 1999, his performances for Barcelona earned him the 1999 Balon D’Or, and played a key role in their 2002 FIFA World Cup win.

Rivaldo’s overhead kicks, long-range strikers and flair left an indelible mark in football.

9. Sócrates

Ranking The Top Best Brazilian Soccer Players
Socrates dazzled with his intelect and brilliance on and off the pitch.

Nicknamed ‘The Doctor’ because of his intellectual brilliance, Socrates was an extraordinary midfielder and the captain of the legendary 1982 Brazil World Cup team.

Sócrates was known for his effortless backheels, vision, and ability to dictate games with his cerebral playstyle.

Beyond the pitch, he was admired for his activism and philosophical outlook, making him a transcendent figure in Brazilian sports.

8. Zico

Ranking The Top Best Brazilian Soccer Players

Most fans of recent times remember Zico for his tactical brilliance as he led Brazil to the 1994 World Cup, but he was a great player back in the day.

He was nicknamed "The White Pelé" for his incredible skill, technique, and footballing brain.

He had an extra-ordinary knack for scoring fantastic freekicks, and his passing was incredible.

 Zico lit up the Brazilian league with Flamengo, winning numerous titles and earning legendary status. 

Internationally, he dazzled for Brazil, though the lack of a World Cup trophy somewhat dampens his legacy, up until he finally won it as a coach in 1994. 

7. Romário

Ranking The Top Best Brazilian Soccer Players
Romario conquered the world in 1994: (credit to Imago) Romario conquered the world in 1994: (credit to Imago)

Romario is considered one of the greatest poachers in football history, considering he used to find the back of the net for fun with minimal training and lots of partying.

The diminutive striker played a crucial role in Brazil's 1994 FIFA World Cup triumph, thanks to his partnership with Edmundo,  scoring five goals and earning the Golden Ball award as the tournament's best player. 

Romário’s career includes over 1,000 goals, a feat that cemented his status as one of Brazil’s finest.

6. Jairzinho

Ranking The Top Best Brazilian Soccer Players

Jairzinho’s performance in the 1970 World Cup was historic, as he scored in every single match, earning the nickname "The Hurricane."

A dynamic winger with exceptional pace and power, Jairzinho combined flair and efficiency like few others. Alongside his fellow Brazilian greats, he helped shape one of the most celebrated teams in football history. 

His attacking prowess and ability to mesmerize defenders make him an unforgettable legend.

5. Roberto Carlos

Roberto Carlos redefined the role of the attacking fullback, combining explosive speed, incredible stamina and ability to whip in dangerous crosses, while scoring unbelievable goals.

Ranking The Top Best Brazilian Soccer Players
Brazilian legend Roberto Carlos || Imago Brazilian legend Roberto Carlos || Imago

His 1997 free-kick against France, often described as "physics-defying," remains one of the most iconic moments in football.

He was a critical part of Brazil’s 2002 World Cup wining team alongside Cafu (more on him later), where he  brought flair and innovation to defense while contributing significantly in attack.

4. Cafu

Ranking The Top Best Brazilian Soccer Players
Brazil legend Cafu Brazil legend Cafu

Cafu was a tireless rightback who earned over 150 caps for Brazil.

He is the only player to have featured in three consecutive World Cup finals and won two of them. 

His overlapping runs, energy and leadership made him a model of consistency and dedication, earning millions of admirers all over the world.

3. Ronaldinho

Ranking The Top Best Brazilian Soccer Players
Ronaldinho playing for Brazil in 2002/via Imago Ronaldinho playing for Brazil in 2002/via Imago

Ronaldinho brought joy to football like no other player. He is considered the most skillful midfielder in history.

His dazzling dribbling skills, audacious tricks, and carefree playing style made him an icon of creativity

At his peak in the mid-2000s, he dominated the football world, winning the Ballon d'Or in 2005 and leading Barcelona to immense success, including a Champions League triumph.

His performances for Brazil at the 2002 World Cup, including his freekick goal against England in the quarter finals,  added to his legendary status

2. Ronaldo (Ronaldo Luís Nazário de Lima)

Ranking The Top Best Brazilian Soccer Players
Brazil legend Delima Ronaldo || Credit: Transfermarkt Brazil legend Delima Ronaldo || Credit: Transfermarkt

Often referred to as "The Phenomenon," Ronaldo was the most complete striker in football history. 

His devastating pace, superb technique, and clinical finishing earned him three FIFA World Player of the Year awards and two Ballon d'Ors. 

After overcoming a career-threatening injury, Ronaldo led Brazil to World Cup glory in 2002, where he scored eight goals and won the Golden Boot. With over 400 career goals, Ronaldo’s combination of power and finesse remains unmatched.

Honorable Mentions:

Neymar

Neymar's dazzling skills and creativity have thrilled fans worldwide, though he’s yet to reach the heights of the players above.

Kaká:

Ranking The Top Ten Brazilian Footballers
Kaka Brazil Career Kaka is one of the greatest players Brazil has produced.

Kaka is Ballon d'Or winner and masterful playmaker who shone for AC Milan and Brazil in the mid-2000s.

1. Pelé

Ranking The Top Ten Brazilian Footballers
Pele made a name for himself with Brazilian side Santos. Pele is one of the greatest players of all time

At the pinnacle of Brazilian football stands Pelé, widely regarded as the greatest player of all time. With three World Cup titles (1958, 1962, and 1970), Pelé is unmatched in his international success.

 Known for his extraordinary goal-scoring ability—amassing over 1,000 career goals—Pelé’s skill, charisma, and impact transcended the sport. 

Pele  became a global ambassador for football and Brazilian culture, inspiring generations of players. Pelé’s contributions to the beautiful game cement his status as the ultimate legend.