Famous Soccer Players from Brazil

Soccer is one of the most popular games in the world. It is especially popular among the western countries. When it comes to soccer, seldom is it possible to talk about it without the mention of Brazil. Kids and adults alike watch, play and enjoy a highly energetic game of soccer. The popularity of the game can be judged from the fact, that the players become style icons in their respective countries and also all around the world. When we talk about the famous soccer players of all times, it is natural that Brazil tops the list with a bunch of people in the list, who have made the country proud.

Who are the Famous Soccer Players from Brazil

Here are the Brazilian soccer players names, which you have heard often, whenever, there has been a discussion on Brazilian soccer or soccer in general.

Pele
When it comes to famous soccer players of all times and not just from Brazil, it is inevitable, that Pele's name ranks among the best soccer players of all times. His real name is Edson Arantes do Nascimento and he honed his skills in the slums of Brazil. He began to play football at the age of 15 and found himself in the national team at the young age of 16. Pele made his first World Cup appearance at 17 and made the country proud, by winning the world cup. He played as an inside forward, striker, which later went to be known as playmaker position. Pele had his own unique technique and natural athleticism and has been universally praised. During his playing days, he was famous for his excellent dribbling and passing, his pace, powerful shot, exceptional heading ability and not to forget prolific goalscoring capabilities. He has been the all time leading scorer of the Brazil National Football team and is also the only football player, who has been a part of three World Cup winning squads.

Ronaldo
After Pele, it is natural, that Ronaldo's name is taken among the famous football players from Brazil. His real name is Ronaldo Luis Nazario de Lima. He was one of the most prolific scorers in the world through the 1990s' and the early 2000s'. Of the two men, who have won the FIFA Player of the Year award three time, one is Ronaldo and the other is the French soccer player Zinedine Zidane. His name also appears in the FIFA 100, a list of greatest footballers, which was compiled by none other than fellow countryman Pele. Ronaldo has made 97 international appearances for Brazil and has amassed a score of 62 goals. He has been a part of the Brazilian football squad, which lifted the 1994 and 2002 World Cups. He set a World Record in the 2006 World Cup, where he became the highest goalscorer with 15 goals and surpassed Gerd Muller's record of 14 goals.

Ronaldinho
Another soccer player, whose name appears in the list of Brazilian soccer players names. He was born in 1980 and his real name is Ronaldo de Assis Moreira. Often he is regarded as one of the most gifted and talented football players of his generation. Like Pele, he is also known for his exceptional dribbling ability and is also a well-known free-kick specialist. He is also known as Ronaldinho Gaucho, so that he is distinguished from Ronaldo.

Garrincha
Manuel Francisco dos Santos, go goes with the nickname Garrincha, is also one of the top soccer players from Brazil, who played alongside the most famous footballer of Brazil of all times Pele. He was a right winger and forward and helped the Brazil National team to win 1958 and 1962 World Cups. According to FIFA, he is the best Brazilian player after Pele. He is said to be the best dribbler in the history of football.

Leonidas da Silva
The inventor of the bicycle kick, was born in Rio de Janeiro. He is regarded as one of the most important players of the first half of the 20th century. He represented Brazil in two World Cups and was the top scorer in the World Cup of 1938. He is also called the 'Rubber Man', due to his elasticity.

Ricardo Kaká
He is one of the young Brazilian soccer players. He was born as Ricardo Izecson dos Santos Leite, but is well-known with his nickname Kaká. His name appears in the list of famous football players and has won many prestigious titles. He started his football career at the age of 8, when he started playing for a local club and made his debut for the senior Brazil squad in 2002 in a friendly match against Bolivia. He won the Ballon d'Or and FIFA World Player of the Year awards in 2007.

Most of these famous soccer players from Brazil are not a favorites in Brazil, but they also have a devout fan following all over the world. Each one of them has something different than the other, which has given them the mass appeal, that they currently enjoy.