There is no nation so associated with the production of superstar players as that of Brazil, with the names of Pelé, Garrincha, Ronaldo and Ronaldinho springing immediately to mind.
Brazilian stars and their samba skills light up many of the top leagues, including the mighty Premier League.
Always one of the most popular leagues in terms of viewers and bettors taking advantage of the best betting offers today, the Premier League featured a total of 25 Brazilian footballers during the 2021/22 season. Here we pick out our personal top 10.
10. Joelinton – Newcastle United
Signed for a club record £40million in 2019, Joelinton flopped at centre forward, but has found his true calling as an industrious midfielder. A true athlete, the ex-Hoffenheim man has become a key player in Newcastle’s newly functioning engine room.
9. Richarlison – Everton
Signing for the Toffee’s for an initial fee of £35million in 2018, Richarlison plays as a right-footed, left sided forward, causing havoc for opposition defences when cutting in from the channel. Cutting a controversial figure with opposing supporters due to his spiky attitude, he has earned over 30 caps for the national side.
8. Thiago Silva – Chelsea
At the peak of his powers, the former AC Milan and PSG man would likely have finished much higher up this list. At 37 he may have lost a yard of pace, but the organisational skills and competitiveness of a defender with over 100 caps remains a huge asset to his side.
7. Gabriel Jesus – Manchester City
An automatic starter at almost any other Premier League side, Jesus regularly has to make do with a bit part role at Manchester City. That shouldn’t detract from the abilities of this smart running, clinically finishing forward, who has picked up three Premier League medals during his time at the Etihad.
6. Raphinha – Leeds United
When your performances in the national shirt earn praise from non-other than Ronaldinho, you must be doing something right. And it’s easy to see why the former Brazilian great was drawn to the silky skills, pace, and delivery, of the Leeds wide man who is beginning to attract the attentions of the top four clubs.
5. Bruno Guimarães – Newcastle United
Predominantly deployed as a defensive midfielder at Lyon, “Bruno” has found another dimension since making the switch to Newcastle – adding goals and attacking drive to an already well-rounded game. Fiercely competitive with a sublime weight of pass, the 24-year-old looks to be a star on the rise.
4. Roberto Firmino – Liverpool
Joining Liverpool back in 2015, the man affectionately known as “Bobby” has been with the Reds throughout their recent golden period. Possessing an excellent combination of physicality and finesse, Roberto may not be the automatic starter he once was, but his time in a Liverpool shirt will never be forgotten.
3. Fabinho – Liverpool
And remaining on Merseyside, our number three spot belongs to the man who has provided some much-needed steel to the Liverpool midfield, helping to propel Liverpool from excellent to truly great. An outstanding reader of the game, and adept ball-winner, Fabinho has become a key cog in the Liverpool machine.
2. Ederson – Manchester City
Despite Brazil’s association with flair players, it is a pair of goalkeepers who occupy the top two spots. The first of whom is the man between the sticks for Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City. An outstanding shot stopper with good box presence, it is Ederson’s ability with his feet which truly sets him apart, with the keeper possessing a passing range which puts many central defenders to shame.
1. Alisson – Liverpool
Prior to the 2018/19 season, centre back and goalkeeper were identified as problem positions for Liverpool. The immense Virgil van Dijk was brought in to bolster the defence, but just as impactful was this goalkeeping arrival from Roma. Exceptional on crosses and a truly world class shot stopper, the £66.8million Liverpool paid was a world record for a goalkeeper at the time, but he has been worth every penny – even scoring in the 95th minute to rescue Liverpool’s season in 20/21.
