Famous People From Brazil

Brazil has produced many talented people who have made a mark in their respective fields and earned wide acclaim. There have been great artists, very popular religious leaders and social reformers, as also many famous diplomats who shaped the political scenario of their country. Here is a brief account of some famous people from Brazil.

Famous People from Brazil

Edison Arantes do Nascimento: Best known by the name 'Pele', he is a former Brazilian football player listed among the most illustrious football players of all times. Born in 1940 and named after Thomas Edison, he received his nickname Pele in his years of schooling. His father trained him in football. His early training and determined efforts turned him into a great football player of Brazil. The International Olympic Committee named him as the Athlete of the Century in 1999. He is named the football ambassador of the world by FIFA and is a member of the American National Soccer Hall of Fame. This all-time top scorer from Brazil, football star Pele, is an asset for the Brazilian Government.

Oscar Niemeyer: Born on December 15, 1907, Oscar Niemeyer is a Brazilian architect of world acclaim. The use of unconventional patterns and a blend of volumes and empty space characterize the buildings of Niemeyer. After graduating as an engineer architect in 1943, he started working in architecture studios. He attained international renown for his plan of the city of Brazilia. At the age of 100, he is still a part of many reorganizational works, and a variety of other projects. His contribution to the field of sculpting is also laudable.

Edir Macedo: Born on February 18, 1945, Edir Macedo is a religious leader from Brazil. He is the founder of the 'Neo-Pentecostal' Universal Church of the Kingdom of God. There was a period when he had become controversial, as it was believed that the people following his teachings were offered material rewards. He was accused of charlatanism and had to spend time in jail. A doctor of Theology and Christian Philosophy, he continues to be one of the prominent figures in Brazil.

Paulo Mendes da Rocha: He was born on October 25, 1928 in Victoria. He graduated as an architect in 1954 and has worked exclusively in Brazil since then. He has been a part of many buildings of cultural significance in Sao Paulo, Brazil and is admired for his contributions to bringing about reforms in the city. This famous architect from Brazil is the proud winner of the Pritzker Prize and the Mies van der Rohe Prize. Winning the Pritzker Prize in 2006, he is second to Oscar Nieymeyer who won it in 1988.

Sergio Vieira de Mello: Born on March 15, 1948 in Rio de Janeiro, Sergio Vieira de Mello grew up to become one of the very famous diplomats of Brazil. He joined the United Nations in 1969, while he was studying in Paris. He had good command over English, Spanish, French and Italian, and also Portuguese. He started as the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in Geneva and became a senior political advisor in 1981 and 1983. He was considered one of the most suitable candidates for the position of UN Secretary General. He was given the 'Statesman of the Year Award' in 2004, after his death. His death meant the loss of a great political personality of Brazil.

These were only a few of those famous people from Brazil, who have made their nation proud. They have made a deep impact on society through their outstanding work.