We present to you the list of the Top 10 Brazil forwards of all time, the Seleção is considered one of the most popular national teams in our beautiful game, and it has given the world some of the greatest forwards in history.
No introductions are needed when talking about Pelé, and the same goes for Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, and Neymar. But there are also many legendary forwards who wore the Samba shirt.
For example, Romário, the Golden Ball winner at the 1994 World Cup, as well as the legendary Zico, Flamengo’s eternal icon. In the following lines, we take a look at the top 10 forwards of all time.
Top 10 Brazil forwards of All Time.. Ranked
- Pelé
For many, Pelé remains the greatest footballer of all time – not just Brazil’s finest. The game’s first true global superstar, O Rei (“The King”) dazzled with a level of skill and magic that words can barely capture. He is the only player to win three World Cups (1958, 1962, 1970), claiming the Golden Ball in 1970, and scored close to 800 career goals. His influence stretched far beyond the pitch, making him a timeless icon of the sport.
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2. Ronaldo
Nicknamed O Fenômeno (“The Phenomenon”), Ronaldo redefined the role of the striker in the 1990s with his blistering pace, dribbling, and clinical finishing. After prolific spells at PSV and Barcelona, he became a two-time Ballon d’Or winner. Despite the heartbreak of 1998, when illness struck before the final, Ronaldo redeemed himself by finishing as top scorer at the 2002 World Cup, firing Brazil to glory.
With over 400 career goals, he remains one of the most feared forwards in football history.
3. Ronaldinho
The face of football’s joy in the 2000s, Ronaldinho played with flair and freedom like few others. Known as O Bruxo (“The Wizard”), he lit up stadiums with audacious skills, no-look passes, and spectacular goals.
A 2005 Ballon d’Or winner, he was central to Brazil’s 2002 World Cup triumph and starred at Barcelona, where he inspired a generation with his creativity and charisma.
4. Garrincha
One of the greatest dribblers in football history, Garrincha was Brazil’s secret weapon during their World Cup wins in 1958 and 1962.
In the latter tournament, he won both the Golden Boot and Golden Ball, leading Brazil to glory in Pelé’s absence. Nicknamed “The Joy of the People,” his artistry on the right wing and ability to humiliate defenders left an everlasting mark on the game.
5. Rivaldo
Rivaldo was a master of long-range strikes and clutch performances. Winner of the 1999 Ballon d’Or, he scored 35 goals in 74 appearances for Brazil and was instrumental in their 2002 World Cup victory. At Barcelona, he netted 130 times, winning two La Liga titles and producing unforgettable moments, like his hat-trick against Valencia in 2001.
Rivaldo’s technical brilliance and vision made him one of the most complete playmakers of his era.
6. Didi
A midfield genius of the 1950s and early ’60s, Didi played a pivotal role in Brazil’s back-to-back World Cup triumphs in 1958 and 1962. Renowned for inventing the “knuckleball” free-kick technique, his elegant playmaking and calm leadership set the standard for future generations.
He also enjoyed spells at Real Madrid and Fluminense, leaving behind a legacy of innovation and style.
7. Romário
One of the deadliest strikers of all time, Romário scored over 750 career goals. Nicknamed Baixinho (“The Little One”), he won the Golden Ball as the standout player of the 1994 World Cup, where he led Brazil to their fourth title.
His club career was equally prolific, starring at PSV and Barcelona before becoming Brazil’s second-highest international scorer with 55 goals in 70 caps.
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8. Jairzinho
Known as O Furacão (“The Hurricane”), Jairzinho was a key figure in Brazil’s legendary 1970 World Cup-winning side. He remains the only player to score in every match of a World Cup, finishing with seven goals. Strong, skillful, and relentless, he epitomized the spirit of Brazilian attacking football and left an unforgettable legacy with his explosive style of play.
9. Neymar
Brazil’s all-time leading goalscorer, Neymar defined Brazilian football in the 2010s. A star at Santos, Barcelona, and PSG, he won the Champions League in 2015 with Barça as part of the iconic “MSN” trio with Messi and Suárez.
Twice the Champions League’s top assist provider, Neymar combined flair, creativity, and finishing ability. Despite repeated injuries, his impact on Brazil – including an Olympic gold medal and Copa América success – has been undeniable.
10. Leônidas da Silva
Nicknamed O Homem Borracha (“The Rubber Man”) for his agility, Leônidas da Silva was one of the early icons of Brazilian football.
Famous for popularizing the bicycle kick, he starred at the 1938 World Cup, winning both the Golden Boot and Golden Ball. With 21 goals in just 19 caps, and silverware with clubs like Flamengo and São Paulo, Leônidas laid the foundation for the flair and creativity that became synonymous with Brazilian football.
