In brief
Among the many elite players on Brazil’s current roster are Vinicius Jr., Rodryo, and Alisson Becker.
Neymar is well regarded after moving to Santos in 2025.
Bruno Guimaraes, Gabriel Martinelli, and Gabriel also made the top 15.
Perhaps the world’s most football-mad country is Brazil. Brazilian residents are compelled to come up with innovative ways to enjoy the beautiful game, even though economic, infrastructural, and environmental reasons hinder the widespread participation of 11-a-side amateur football throughout the most populous country in South America.
In addition to producing a number of elite players who have dominated the South American, European, and international game throughout history, such as the legendary Pele, the step-over king Ronaldo Nazario, and the former Ballon d’Or winner Kaka, the Selecao has won the FIFA World Cup five times, more than any other country.
The Brazilian national team is full of current superstars, including some Ballon d’Or front-runners, even if they haven’t won a World Cup since 2002. The top 15 Selecao stars in the world at the moment are listed here.
Factors that rank
Present form
Reputation in the workplace
Contributions to defence, goals, or assists
Technical mastery
15Antony
Real Betis (on loan from Manchester United)
Despite having a terrible time at Manchester United in England, Antony has appeared to be a completely different player since joining Real Betis in the January transfer window. A run of strong performances, including a standout effort in a victory over Real Madrid, has enabled him to quickly restore his reputation.
Betis’s start to the season has been surprisingly good, with three goals and three assists in eight games. Even if it seems like the March international break came a bit too soon for Antony to be called up to the national team, he could soon add to his 16 caps if he continues his career comeback.
Antony’s Career in Brazil
Looks
16
Objectives
2.
Assiss
2.
14 Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli
It’s easy to forget that Gabriel Martinelli is only 23 years old and already has over 40 goals for Arsenal across all competitions. One of the league’s most feared attackers, the Brazil and Gunners striker is known for his lightning-fast speed, strength, and merciless abilities inside the opposition’s penalty box.
Martinelli seems destined for a lengthy career at the highest level because of his straightforward style, which is a little similar of a young Cristiano Ronaldo. Although the youthful forward hasn’t played consistently for the national team yet, he was called up to the Copa America squad. However, he hasn’t been playing well lately, and due to an injury, he won’t be playing for the club in March 2025.
The Career of Gabriel Martinelli in Brazil
Looks
16
Objectives
2.
Helps
0
13 Real Madrid’s Endrick
There is still a lot to learn about Endrick, the most promising young talent emerging from Brazil. The striker has been compared to Pele, the nation’s most renowned goal scorer, due to his stance, physical attributes, and goal-scoring ability. Filling those shoes is a big task. Even though he hasn’t played many minutes, Endrick, who has been predicted to be a great player since his early teens, has so far adapted to men’s professional football with ease.
The gifted 18-year-old has made 26 appearances across all competitions and has displayed glimpses of brilliance in his first season at Real Madrid, scoring six goals so far. However, he has sadly battled for consistent stats. In his first five games for Brazil, the striker scored an incredible three goals, but he hasn’t scored since. Although it is unclear if Endrick will be remembered as a great player, Brazilians have extremely high expectations for the 18-year-old.
Endrick’s Career in Brazil
Looks
13.
Objectives
3.
Helps
0
12 Manchester City’s Savinho
Many were concerned that Pep Guardiola would sap Savinho’s play, which is full of flicks, trickery, and an indisputable level of skill, when he signed a contract with Manchester City in the summer. That hasn’t happened yet, though, as the 20-year-old is demonstrating his abilities in one of Europe’s most well-documented divisions.
Despite the abundance of talent available to Guardiola, playing time has not been a problem in England. The 11-cap Brazil international, who has so far contributed two goals and nine assists to his Premier League employers, has every opportunity to establish himself as a key player for both club and country in the near future.
Savinho’s Career in Brazil
Looks
11.
Objectives
One
Helps
3.
11 Geleison Bremer, Jupiter
Gleison Bremer, 27, was mostly overlooked in the Serie A with Torino during his early career before making his debut for his country in 2022. Bremer, who is seen as one of Manchester United’s top transfer targets to repair their leaky defence, has drawn attention from the football community since the defender’s summer 2021 move to Juventus.
In the years to come, Bremer, a latecomer to the global scene, will undoubtedly continue to enhance his already solid reputation. The 27-year-old, who was a mainstay in the Old Lady’s back line until suffering a chronic injury, will be eager to get back to playing as productively as ever.
Bremer’s Career in Brazil
Looks
5.
Objectives
0
Helps
0
Brighton Guimaraes, Newcastle United, 10.
Over the past two seasons, Bruno Guimaraes has been one of the Premier League’s best midfield players. Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola was eager to add the Brazilian to his midfield for the 2024–2025 campaign because of Newcastle United’s player’s excellent positional awareness, defensive prowess, and skill with the ball.
Despite his employers’ PSR fears, he has stayed on Tyneside and has proceeded to demonstrate why a long list of Premier League clubs are interested in signing him. Guimaraes, 26, is regarded as one of the most promising players in the world of football and has made a name for himself as Brazil’s main holding midfielder, especially in 2024.
The Career of Bruno Guimaraes in Brazil
Looks
32
Objectives
One
Helps
6.
9 Paris Saint-Germain Marquinhos
Since making his debut in November 2013 under the legendary Luiz Felipe Scolari, Marquinhos has been a pillar at the back for Brazil. When his nation hosted the sport in Rio in 2016, the centre-back won an Olympic gold medal and helped Selecao win the Copa America in 2019.
Marquinhos is the epitome of the modern defender; he is smart, physically powerful, and more than willing to start assaults in the opposition’s half by leaving defence with the ball. Since leaving Roma in 2013, he has made over 450 appearances for his club, PSG, and is currently the captain of the Parisians.
The Career of Marquinhos in Brazil
Looks
95
Objectives
7.
Helps
4.
8Eder Militao
Real Madrid
Eder Militao is still one of the top football players in the country, despite having a season marred by injuries in 2023–2024 and another major, long-term injury this season. The former Porto and Sao Paulo defender paid £42 million to join Real Madrid in 2019, and with 35 Brazil matches already on his thriving resume, he has already established himself as one of his generation’s most successful players.
Militao, who was born Sertaozinho, has been a key part of Real Madrid’s three La Liga championships and two Champions League trophies since joining in 2019. When not sidelined by injury, he has been Brazil’s first-choice centre-back because of his commanding presence, exceptional anticipation, and will to use any means necessary to gain possession of the ball.
The Career of Eder Militao in Brazil
Looks
35
Objectives
2.
Helps
0
7Ederson
Manchester City
Brazilian outfield players are known for their inventiveness and freedom, something goalkeepers have not always been permitted to exhibit. However, it is not surprising to see a Brazilian among the best at delivering the ball through opposing attack lines into midfield, given the increased focus on the goalkeeper’s role in build-up play in recent years.
Since joining Pep Guardiola’s team in 2017, Ederson has helped Manchester City win six Premier League titles thanks to his poise, passing, and, of course, his exceptional goalkeeping abilities. However, he has frequently been eclipsed by his Liverpool teammate, Alisson Becker. Nevertheless, the erstwhile Benfica’s rightful place on this list is undeniable.
Ederson’s Career in Brazil
Looks
29
Clean Sheets
13.
Objectives Given Up
21
6 Arsenal’s Gabriel Magalhaes
You know you’re dealing with one of the top football nations when a player with Gabriel’s flawless standards is underappreciated from his international experience, as seen by his meagre 11 Selecao appearances. Over the past two seasons, Gabriel and France defender William Saliba have led an Arsenal defence that is simply exceptional.
The Brazilian powerhouse is challenging Brazil’s best center-backs for a regular berth in the national squad after recording an incredible 56 Premier League clean sheets in 157 games for the north London club. After starting the last six games for his country and losing just once, one of the top centre backs in the English Premier League suddenly seems to be a vital member of the national team.
Gabriel’s Career in Brazil
Looks
13.
Objectives
One
Helps
0
Fifth, Neymar Jr. Santos
During the 2023–2024 season, Neymar did not rank among the best Brazilians. In what ended up being a disastrous decision, the era-defining winger chose to leave professional football early and join Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal, disappointing some of his fans. However, there aren’t many active football players who can handle the ball, manipulate defenders, and create moments of wonder like Neymar can, or maybe only Lionel Messi of Argentina.
Injuries have, unfortunately, hampered the twilight period of his illustrious career but now back at boyhood club Santos, the winger appears to be finding his groove again. Three goals and three assists in his first seven games since returning, has been enough to return to the Brazil team for the first time since 2023.
Neymar’s Brazil Career
Appearances
128
Goals
79
Assists
59
4
Rodrygo
Real Madrid
Rodrygo, 24, has been carrying the burden of Real Madrid fans’ expectations on his shoulders for years despite his youth. The winger completed a £40 million move from his native club, Santos, to join the 15-time Champions League winners in 2019. Rodrygo has already won two Champions League titles and has continuously delivered the high calibre of play that the Bernabeu demands. Competition for playing time has increased recently due to Real Madrid’s summer acquisitions of Kylian Mbappe and Endrick, but the 24-year-old still performs well in Madrid.
Rodrygo’s Career in Brazil
Looks
31
Objectives
7.
Helps
One
Liverpool’s Alisson Becker, third
Over the past ten years, Alisson Becker has been one of the best goalkeepers in world football. Described as “the one who made everything possible” by former assistant coach Pep Lijnders, the goalie joined Liverpool under Jurgen Klopp in 2018.
Alisson, who has played for the Anfield side in 289 competitive games, has kept an amazing 126 clean sheets and spared Liverpool’s blushes on numerous occasions, most notably in the Champions League against PSG. The fact that Alisson has 71 caps for Brazil’s national team, despite having to compete for a spot in the squad against world-class Manchester City opponent Ederson, further demonstrates the 32-year-old’s goalkeeping prowess.
The Career of Alisson Becker in Brazil
Looks
71
Clean Sheets
44
Objectives Given Up
32
2. Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr.
Although Vinicius Jr. has long been considered one of the world’s greatest players, Real Madrid’s explosive winger elevated his game during the 2023–24 campaign and was one of the front-runners to win the coveted Ballon d’Or trophy at the end of the year. He came in second to Spain’s Rodri, who plays for Manchester City, but don’t let that influence your decision.
The winger slows down as he gets close to a defender before bursting into action and speeding past the rival player, who frequently stays glued to the place, demonstrating the Brazilian superstar’s absurd speed. The winger, who scored 24 goals and provided 11 assists in 39 games during the previous season as Real Madrid won both the La Liga and the Champions League, is a clinical goal scorer. He is now just barely outperformed by another winger, which is the only reason he isn’t at the top of this list.
Vinicius’s Career in Brazil
Looks
37
Objectives
5.
Helps
5.
1 Barcelona’s Rhinha
Raphinha made the move from Leeds United, a now-championship team, to Barcelona, one of the most prominent teams in the world, in the summer of 2022. The attacker has looked even better this season after contributing a goal every 67 minutes during Barcelona’s Champions League campaign last year.
Although Raphinha’s future at the club was once uncertain, he is currently Brazil’s top pick on the right side. Based on his recent performance, he may be the world’s second-best player, only surpassed by Mohamed Salah. With 25 goals and 18 assists at Barcelona, he has already tied Vinicius Jr.’s all-time high of 25 goals that season.
Raphina’s Career in Brazil
Looks
31
Objectives
10.
Helps
6.
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