Best Brazilian Strikers of all time: Brazil is famous for its amazing soccer, and it has produced many legendary players who have made a big impact. Some of the most memorable players are the strikers, who are known for their impressive skills and ability to score goals.
Pele and Ronaldo have a lasting influence on Brazilian soccer, defining different eras and winning important trophies. Now, let’s take a look at the top 5 Brazilian strikers of all time, celebrating their technical brilliance, powerful shots, and the pure joy of scoring goals.
We’ve also set up a poll so you can vote for your favorite.
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Best Brazilian Strikers of all time
Ready, soccer fans? Let’s explore the best Brazilian strikers of all time and appreciate their talent!
5. Alexandre Pato
- Date of Birth (Age): 2 September 1989 (34)
- Height: 1.79 m (5 ft 10 in)
- Position(s): Striker
Alexandre Pato secures the fifth spot in the ranking of the “Best Brazilian Strikers of All Time.” Beginning his career at Internacional in 2000, Pato made a significant impact, notably helping the team win the 2006 FIFA Club World Cup. His standout performances in Italy’s Serie A with AC Milan earned him many awards in 2009, including the Golden Boy and Serie A Young Footballer of the Year.
Pato continued to shine, aiding Milan in winning the Serie A title during the 2010–11 season. His versatile career included stints in Brazil, England with Chelsea, Spain with Villarreal, and China with Tianjin Tianhai, showcasing his adaptability and skill on the global stage.
Pato’s international contributions to Brazil, highlighted by winning the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup and Olympic medals in 2008 and 2012, solidify his deserving place among the best Brazilian strikers.
4. Jairzinho
- Date of Birth (Age): 25 December 1944 (79)
- Height: 1.73 m (5 ft 8 in)
- Position(s): Winger, Striker
At fourth spot among the “Best Brazilian Strikers” is Jairzinho, a feared and versatile forward known for his ability to create havoc and pose a serious goal threat from any position on the field. His remarkable attributes included high-speed athleticism, quick bursts of acceleration, excellent ball control, and direct dribbling skills. What set Jairzinho apart was his exceptional strength, often causing opposition defenses to double up on him in an attempt to limit his goal-scoring potential.
Jairzinho was not just a goal-scorer; he was a hardworking team player who tracked back consistently and used his physical presence to prevent counterattacks by blocking or tracking runs. His movement off the ball was a key aspect of his goal-scoring skills, demonstrated notably in the 1970 FIFA World Cup, where his attacking instincts and intelligence shone.
Nicknamed “The Hurricane” due to the way his jersey shook as he sprinted down the wing, Jairzinho’s versatility allowed him to play various attacking positions.
3. Romário
- Born (Age): 29 January 1966 (57)
- Height: 1.67 m (5 ft 6 in)
- Position(s): Striker
At third position among the “Best Brazilian Strikers” is Romário, widely recognized as one of the greatest and most prolific strikers in the history of football. Coached by Johan Cruyff at Barcelona, Romário earned praise as a “genius of the goal area” and left an indelible mark on the sport. Notably, fellow Brazilian Ronaldo admitted Romário’s influence, describing him as the most decisive player he ever played with, emphasizing his goal-scoring skills, and opportunistic playing style.
Romário’s prolific career saw him score over 700 goals, a feat achieved at three different clubs, showcasing his clinical finishing ability. He played a crucial role in Brazil’s 1994 FIFA World Cup victory, earning the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player and being named FIFA World Player of the Year.
His achievements extend to the club level, where he excelled with PSV Eindhoven in the Netherlands and FC Barcelona, winning league titles and finishing as the top scorer.
His impact on the game, both as a player and a political figure, solidifies his place among the elite Brazilian strikers. He also ranked among the Best Barcelona Strikers of all time.
2. Ronaldo
- Date of Birth (Age): 18 September 1976 (47)
- Height: 1.83 m (6 ft 0 in)
- Position(s): Striker
At second spot among the “Best Brazilian Strikers” is Ronaldo, often regarded as one of the greatest and most complete forwards in football history. Known as “Il Fenomeno,” he was a prolific goalscorer with the ability to provide assists, showcasing exceptional vision, passing, and crossing skills.
Ronaldo was a powerhouse on the field, combining immense power, speed, and technical prowess. His versatility allowed him to operate both inside and outside the penalty area, running with the ball towards goal in a style described as explosive and unpredictable.
Ronaldo’s impactful career included stints at Cruzeiro, PSV, Barcelona, and Inter Milan, breaking world transfer records and earning individual awards such as three FIFA World Player of the Year titles and two Ballon d’Or awards. Despite facing setbacks due to knee injuries, he made a remarkable comeback and later played for Real Madrid, AC Milan, and Corinthians before retiring in 2011.
Ronaldo represented Brazil in 98 matches, scoring 62 goals and becoming the youngest member of the squad that won the 1994 FIFA World Cup. His Golden Ball-winning performance at the 1998 World Cup, along with his crucial role in Brazil’s 2002 wins, solidified his status as a football legend. Ronaldo’s marketability and widespread recognition continued off the field, leading to his inclusion in the FIFA 100 list and various Hall of Fames.
1. Pelé
- Born: 23 October 1940
- Height: 1.73 m (5 ft 8 in)
Finally, the Best Brazilian Striker is the legendary Pelé. Known for connecting the phrase “The Beautiful Game” with football, Pelé was a prolific goalscorer with an exceptional ability to anticipate opponents and finish chances with precision using either foot. Beyond his goal-scoring skills, Pelé was recognized as a hard-working team player, a complete forward with exceptional vision, intelligence, and precise passing to provide assists.
Pelé’s versatility in attacking positions set him apart, allowing him to excel as a main striker, centre forward, inside forward, second striker, or even in a deeper playmaking role. His remarkable career included playing for Santos from a young age, where he became the all-time top goalscorer, and representing Brazil from the age of 16. Pelé achieved the extraordinary feat of winning three FIFA World Cups (1958, 1962, and 1970), a record that remains unmatched. His 77 goals in 92 games for Brazil stood as the national team’s top scorer for over fifty years.
Not only was Pelé a football sensation, but he was also one of the most successful and popular sports figures of the 20th century. Honored as Athlete of the Century by the International Olympic Committee, Pelé’s 1,279 goals in 1,363 games, including friendlies, is a Guinness World Record.
Pelé’s playing style combined speed, creativity, technical skill, and physical skills, making him an inspiration and a national hero in Brazil. His legacy is marked by numerous awards, record-breaking achievements, and a lasting impact on the sport.
