Brazilian soccer is recognized worldwide for its vibrant and technical style of play, with a rich history of producing some of the greatest Brazilian strikers of all time. Since the early decades of the 20th century, the country has been a hotbed of the greatest Brazilian strikers of all time, whose skill and creativity on the pitch have dazzled fans around the world.
The position of striker, always glamorous and celebrated, has evolved considerably over the years, moving from the role of the classic center forward, focused primarily on finishing, to more dynamic and versatile roles in modern tactical schemes.
Great moments in the history of Brazilian soccer are directly linked to the greatest Brazilian strikers of all time. From the Brazilian national team’s spectacular five world titles to memorable matches in national and international championships, the greatest Brazilian strikers of all time have left their mark.
Each era has brought a new hero, from the pioneering spirit and innovation of Leonidas da Silva to the digital age with the phenomenon of Neymar.
Participate in our free Whatsapp community and receive daily tips, news and trivia on over 50 sports! Click here to join.
In addition to their achievements at club and international level, the best Brazilian strikers of all time have stood out for their ability to reinvent themselves and adapt, shaping not only their careers, but also influencing the way soccer is played in Brazil and around the world.
Who are the greatest Brazilian strikers of all time?
The trajectory of the greatest strikers of all time reflects the tactical and technical evolution of soccer, highlighting how Brazil has continued to be a powerhouse on the global soccer scene through the generations.
It’s time to find out more about the achievements, teams, cities and curiosities of the greatest Brazilian strikers of all time!
Excited for our list? Then let’s go!
- Pelé
Titles: World Cup (1958, 1962, 1970), Copa Libertadores (1962, 1963), Intercontinental Cup (1962, 1963).
History: Born in 1940 in Três Corações, Minas Gerais, Pelé began his career with Santos at the age of 15 and soon became one of the greatest Brazilian strikers of all time.
Curiosity: Pelé scored his 1,000th goal in 1969, a feat that established him as a global sporting icon.
- Ronaldo
Titles: World Cup (1994, 2002), Copa América (1997, 1999), UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup (1997).
History: Born in 1976 in Itaguaí, Rio de Janeiro, Ronaldo began his career with Cruzeiro and quickly became known internationally, playing for clubs such as Barcelona, Inter Milan and Real Madrid.
Curiosity: Ronaldo was nicknamed the “Phenomenon” because of his incredible speed, technique and finishing ability.
- Romário
Titles: World Cup (1994), Copa América (1989, 1997), Brazilian Championship (1989).
History: Born in Rio de Janeiro in 1966, Romário made a name for himself at Vasco da Gama before shining in Europe with PSV and Barcelona.
Curiosity: Romário is one of the few players to claim to have scored more than a thousand goals in his professional career, joining Pelé in this select group.
- Garrincha
Titles: World Cup (1958, 1962).
History: Manuel Francisco dos Santos, known as Garrincha, was born in 1933 in Magé, Rio de Janeiro, and is remembered for his extraordinary skill and legendary dribbling for Botafogo.
Curiosity: Garrincha had crooked legs, which never stopped him from being one of the greatest Brazilian strikers of all time, and he was essential in winning the World Cups he played in.
- Bebeto
Titles: World Cup (1994), Copa América (1989).
History: Born in 1964 in Salvador, Bahia, Bebeto rose to fame with Flamengo before making a name for himself with Deportivo La Coruña and the Brazilian national team.
Curiosity: Bebeto is famous for celebrating the “cradle” during the 1994 World Cup, after scoring a goal, in honor of the birth of his son.
- Tostão
Main titles: World Cup (1970).
History: Eduardo Gonçalves de Andrade, or Tostão, was born in 1947 in Belo Horizonte. He began his career at América-MG before becoming a legend at Cruzeiro.
Curiosity: Tostão had to end his career prematurely due to a vision problem caused by a detached retina.
- Dinamite
Titles: Brazilian Championship (1989).
History: Born in 1954 in Duque de Caxias, Rio de Janeiro, Roberto began his career at Vasco da Gama, where he became an icon and later president of the club.
Curiosity: The nickname “Dinamite” came after a journalist saw one of his powerful shots and commented on the young player’s explosiveness.
- Leônidas da Silva
Campeonato Paulista (1935, 1936, 1937, 1939, 1940, 1943).
History: Born in 1913 in Rio de Janeiro, Leônidas began his career with São Cristóvão and became famous with Flamengo and São Paulo.
Curiosity: Leônidas is credited with inventing the “Bicicleta”, one of soccer’s most spectacular moves.
- Jairzinho
Titles: World Cup (1970).
History: Jairzinho was born in 1944 in Rio de Janeiro and began his career at Botafogo, where he became known as the “Hurricane of the 1970 World Cup”.
Curiosity: Jairzinho scored in every game of the 1970 World Cup, a unique feat to this day.
- Neymar
Titles: UEFA Champions League (2015), Copa Libertadores (2011), FIFA Club World Cup (2011).
History: Born in 1992 in Mogi das Cruzes, São Paulo, Neymar rose to stardom at Santos and then moved to Barcelona and PSG, establishing himself as one of the greatest Brazilian strikers of all time.
Curiosity: Neymar holds the record for being the most expensive player in soccer history. In 2017, he was transferred from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain for a transfer fee of 222 million euros, setting a new world standard for the transfer market.
List of the greatest Brazilian strikers of all time
- Pelé
- Ronaldo
- Romário
- Garrincha
- Bebeto
- Tostão
- Roberto Dinamite
- Leônidas da Silva
- Jairzinho
- Neymar
Their achievements have not only motivated a new generation of talented players, but have also significantly increased the appreciation and visibility of soccer globally. Thanks to these icons, the sport has gained new admirers and greater respect in all parts of the world!
Now that you know the greatest Brazilian strikers of all time. How about getting to know some of the names that have made World Cup history?
10 greatest Brazilian strikers at the World Cup
- Pelé – Considered one of the greatest footballers of all time, Pelé won three World Cups (1958, 1962, 1970) and is the only player in history to achieve this feat.
- Ronaldo – The “Phenomenon” was crucial in Brazil winning the 2002 World Cup and is one of the top scorers in World Cup history with 15 goals.
- Romário – He was one of the main players in the Brazilian team at the 1994 World Cup, when Brazil won the four-times championship.
- Zico – Although he didn’t win a World Cup, Zico was a key figure in Brazil’s participation in the 1978, 1982 and 1986 World Cups and is considered one of the best players of his generation.
- Bebeto – Formed a memorable partnership with Romário in the 1994 World Cup and was also important in the 1998 campaign, when Brazil finished runners-up.
- Garrincha – A hero of the 1958 and 1962 World Cups, Garrincha was one of the most brilliant and unpredictable players of all time.
- Tostão – Another hero of the triumph, Tostão was essential to Brazil’s success at the 1970 World Cup.
- Jairzinho – Known as the “Hurricane of the 1970 World Cup”, Jairzinho scored in every game of that edition, contributing decisively to the title.
- Rivaldo – He was one of the stars of the Brazilian national team in the victorious 2002 campaign, scoring five goals in the tournament.
- Careca – He was one of Brazil’s highlights at the 1986 and 1990 World Cups and is remembered for his skill and finishing ability.
Did you like getting to know the greatest Brazilian strikers of all time? Here on the site you can check out other lists and articles about the world of soccer and various other sports!
