Ronaldinho Gaúcho, Sócrates, Zico, Rivellino and Didi have left their mark on the hearts of soccer fans. The past always has that effect, doesn’t it? However, Brazilian fans can breathe a sigh of relief because the stars we have now, in the present, leave nothing to be desired! In this article we’re going to talk about the best midfielders in Brazil today and then we’ll step into the time machine for a nostalgic session;
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How do you know who the best midfielders in Brazil are?
Average number of correct passes per game
The number of correct passes made during the game is an interesting indicator for understanding the quality of a midfield player.
Average number of assists
A midfielder’s ability to pass goals is perhaps the most important criterion for evaluating him
Average number of decisive passes
Defining the game is a skill that the best midfielders in Brazil must have. This indicator will tell us how decisive the player was in the game.
Shall we get started?
Get to know the best socks in Brazil
Para esta lista, vamos dar uma olhada no desempenho dos jogadores tanto no Brasileirão 2023 quanto nos campeonatos estaduais que estão chegando ao fim.
- Alan Patrick from Internacional
Alan Patrick started out at Santos and after traveling the world, he returned to Flamengo in 2015, cementing himself as an important part of the midfield, contributing to victories such as the Carioca Championship and the Copa do Brasil.
Again at International, Alan is recognized for his technical ability and vision of the game, Alan Patrick is versatile and can play as a central midfielder or striker, making him valuable for any team. That’s why he’s one of the best midfielders in Brazil today!
- In the Brasileirão 2023, the player hit 84% of his passes per match and averaged 2 decisive passes per game.
- In the current Gaucho Championship, Alan has an average of 88% correct passes and 1.9 decisive passes per game
- Paulo Henrique Ganso from Fluminense
Former Santos player PH Ganso has been enjoying an excellent campaign with Flu for some time now. He played for European clubs such as Sevilla and Amiens before returning to Brazil and despite the ups and downs of his career, Ganso has been elegant on the pitch and precise in his passing.
- In the Brasileirão 2023, the player hit 89% of his passes per match and averaged 1.4 decisive passes per game.
- In the current Carioca Championship, Ganso has an average of 92% correct passes and 1.4 decisive passes per game
- Raphael Veiga from Palmeiras
Raphael Veiga is one of the best midfielders in Brazil. Versatile, creative and a great finisher, he started out at Coritiba, attracting the attention of Palmeiras, where he moved in 2017. At the São Paulo club, he contributed to important victories, such as the Brazilian Championship and the São Paulo Championship. Veiga is seen as a promising talent in Brazilian and international soccer.
- In the Brasileirão 2023, the player hit 84% of his passes per match and averaged 2.8 decisive passes per game.
- In the current Campeonato Paulista, Raphael has an average of 83% correct passes and 2.7 decisive passes per game.
- Arrascaeta from Flamengo
The well-known Uruguayan has refined technique and a vision of the game like few others. He began his career at Defensor Sporting and made a name for himself at Cruzeiro before moving to Flamengo in 2019. He was instrumental in winning several titles at the Rio de Janeiro club, including the Copa Libertadores and the Campeonato Brasileiro. His ability places him among the best midfielders in Brazil and also in South America.
- In the Brasileirão 2023, the player hit 80% of his passes per match and averaged 1.9 decisive passes per game.
- In the current Carioca Championship, Arrascaeta has an average of 82% correct passes and 1.9 decisive passes per game
- Renato Augusto from Fluminense
After having a good season with Corinthians in 2023, Renato went to the tricolor carioca, where he is also doing very well. He played for Bayer Leverkusen and has represented the Brazilian national team on several occasions. Renato is considered one of the best midfielders in Brazil for his vision and precision in passing.
- No Brasileirão 2023, jogando pelo Corinthians, o jogador acertou 86% dos passes por partida e teve uma média de 1.8 passes decisivos por jogo.
- No atual Campeonato Carioca, Renato Augusto tem uma média de 92% de passes corretos e 1.3 passes decisivos por jogo
- Lucas Moura from São Paulo
Lucas Moura is another attacking midfielder who can play on either side of the pitch. The Brazilian had a spell at Tottenham, put in some memorable performances, but was soon sidelined. Lucas is currently back in the São Paulo shirt and he’s already arrived: he was one of the players responsible for winning the Copa do Brasil with his team of heart.
- In the Brasileirão 2023, playing for Corinthians, the player hit 76% of his passes per match and averaged 0.9 decisive passes per game.
- In the current Campeonato Paulista, Lucas has an average of 80% correct passes and 1.0 decisive passes per game.
- Lucas Fernandes from Cuiabá
He started out at São Paulo FC and had spells at Portimonense, Vitória and Fluminense. His ability to play in different positions in midfield makes him valuable, and he is considered a promise in Brazilian soccer.
- In the Brasileirão 2023, playing for Botafogo, the player hit 91% of his passes per match and averaged 0.5 decisive passes per game.
- In the current Carioca Championship, still with Botafogo, Lucas Fernandes has an average of 85% correct passes and 0.9 decisive passes per game
- Eric Ramires from RB Bragantino
Ramires began his career at Bahia and was signed by Dynamo Kiev in 2020, before being loaned to RB Bragantino in 2021. His best qualities are his tactical versatility and contributions both in defense and attack;
- In the Brasileirão 2023, the player hit 84% of his passes per match and averaged 0.7 decisive passes per game.
- In the current Campeonato Paulista, Ramires has an average of 92% correct passes and 1.5 decisive passes per game.
- Gustavo Scarpa from Atlético-MG
The midfielder, who enjoyed success with Palmeiras and played for Nottingham Forest in England in 2023, now plays for Galo. He began his career at Fluminense, where he excelled before moving to the São Paulo club. At both clubs, he contributed with assists and important goals. His versatility on the pitch and his quality in free-kicks make him an outstanding player.
- In the current L Campeonato Mineiro, Scarpa has an average of 81% correct passes and 1.2 decisive passes per game.
- Soteldo from Grêmio
The Venezuelan midfielder, known for his speed and accurate dribbling, began his career at Zamora FC and played for Huachipato before making a name for himself at Santos FC. The player’s creativity has made him a key player for Santos, the Venezuelan national team and Gremio. Soteldo rounds off our list of the best midfielders in Brazil today with a bang!
- In the Brasileirão 2023, still with Santos, the player hit 82% of his passes per match and averaged 2.2 decisive passes per game.
- In the current Gaucho Championship, Soteldo has an average of 76% correct passes and 0.7 decisive passes per game
List of the best midfielders in Brazil:
- Alan Patrick
- Paulo Henrique Ganso
- Raphael Veiga
- Arrascaeta
- Renato Augusto
- Lucas Moura
- Lucas Fernandes
- Eric Ramires
- Gustavo Scarpa
- Soteldo
Best midfielders in Brazil: the golden past
Most of the time, the midfielder is responsible for the magic of the game. Unexpected dribbles, improbable passes, hat-tricks and perfect shots are all things we expect from a good midfielder, and even more so from the best midfielders in Brazil.
It’s time to go back in time and check out the 5 players we’ve chosen to represent Brazil’s best midfielders!
- Zico
Titles: Brazilian Championship (1980), Copa Libertadores (1981), Guanabara Cup (1972, 1973, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982 and 1984), among others.
History: A Flamengo legend, Zico was a complete midfielder, known for his vision, precision passing and ability to score goals.
Curiosities: Zico is revered not only for his achievements on the pitch, but also for his dedication to the development of Brazilian soccer after his retirement, as a coach and manager.
- Ronaldinho Gaúcho
Titles: FIFA World Cup (2002), UEFA Champions League (2005/2006), Copa Libertadores (2013), among others.
History: Born in Porto Alegre, Brazil, in 1980, Ronaldinho Gaúcho began his career with Grêmio. His move to Paris Saint-Germain in 2001 marked the start of a successful international career, where he established himself as one of the most skillful and charismatic players in the world.
Curiosities: he was known as “El Brujo” for his exceptional ball skills, disconcerting dribbles and brilliant passes.
- Rivellino
Titles: Brazilian Championship (1971), Paulista Championship (1977), FIFA World Cup (1970), among others.
History: revealed by Corinthians, Rivellino had magic in his feet, especially when it came to free-kicks and dribbling.
Curiosities: he was called “Patada Atômica” and was one of the main players in the legendary 1970 Brazilian national team, contributing goals and assists during the tournament.
- Sócrates
Titles: Brazilian Champion (1979), Paulista Champion (1979 and 1982), among others.
History: A trained doctor, Sócrates was a leader on and off the pitch, known for his intelligence, technical ability and strategic positioning.
Curiosities: In addition to his skills as a player, Sócrates was a soccer thinker, getting involved in political and social issues, and being one of the founders of the “Corinthian Democracy” movement.
- Didi
Titles: FIFA World Cup (1958, 1962), Guanabara Cup (1966), Carioca Championship (1953, 1954, 1955, 1959, 1964 and 1969), Rio-São Paulo Tournament (1957 and 1960), among others.
History: Born in 1928 in Rio de Janeiro, Didi, whose real name was Waldyr Pereira, began his career at Americano de Campos before making a name for himself at Fluminense.
Curiosities: Known as “The Genius of the Big Area”, Didi was one of the most influential players in the history of Brazilian soccer, especially during the golden age of World Cups in the 1950s and early 1960s.
List of the best midfielders in Brazil of all time
- Zico
- Ronaldinho Gaúcho
- Rivelino
- Sócrates
- Didi
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