Five-time World Cup champion Brazil is the most successful footballing nation in the world. Brazil has also won a number of Copa America championships. Pele is the greatest footballer in Brazilian history. Many people believe that legend Pele is one of the reasons why football is so popular today. Brazil has produced an abundance of talented footballers in the last seventy years. Therefore, finding the best XI among them is incredibly hard. This article has picked Brazil's best XI based on the players' individual accomplishments, abilities, and contributions to the team. Here's a look at the best Brazil team of all time.
Brazil’s greatest XI of all time
We preferred a 4-4-2 formation for choosing the best Brazilian XI.
Goalkeeper
Gilmar (1953-1969) | M: 94 | Goal: 0
Gilmar played in three World Cups for the Brazilian national team. The IFFHS named him the best Brazilian goalkeeper of the twentieth century, as well as one of the finest in the world.
Right Back
Cafu (1990-2006) | M: 142 | Goal: 5
Cafu has the most international caps of any Brazilian footballer. He featured in four FIFA World Cups and is the first player in history to have competed in three consecutive World Cup finals. He was the winner of two FIFA World Cups (1994, 2002), two Copa America (1997, 1999), and the FIFA Confederations Cup in 1997.
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Left Back
Roberto Carlos (1992-2006) | M: 125 | Goal: 11
Roberto Carlos was recognized as a free-kick specialist during his career and is largely regarded as one of the finest left-backs in history. He was runner-up in the FIFA World Player of the Year award in 1997. Roberto Carlos made his debut for the Brazilian national team in 1992. He represented his country in three World Cups, winning the 2002 event in Korea/Japan.
Center Back
Carlos Alberto Torres (1964-1977) | M: 53 | Goal: 8
Carlos Alberto Torres is widely considered as one of the all-time great defenders. He was also a great penalty taker and a leader. He led the Brazilian national team to victory in the 1970 World Cup.
Center Back
Aldair (1989-2000) | M: 80 | Goal: 3
Aldair competed in three World Cups, winning the 1994 event. He also won two Copa America trophies (1989, 1999).
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Defensive Midfield
Dunga (1987-1998) | M: 91 | Goal: 6
Under Dunga's captaincy, Brazil won the 1994 FIFA World Cup. He is the first of two men to have played in a World Cup final, an Olympic final, a Confederations Cup final, and a continental championship final.
Center Midfield
Roberto Falcão (1976-1986) | M: 34 | Goal: 6
Roberto Falco is widely regarded as one of Brazil's finest footballers of all time. Falco has a total of 34 caps with the Brazilian national team. At the 1982 FIFA World Cup, he played midfield with Zico, Sócrates, and Éder.
Center Midfield
Zico (1976-1986) | M: 71 | Goal: 48
Zico is regarded as one of the best finishers, great playmakers, and free-kick specialists. Zico scored 48 goals in 71 appearances for Brazil. He was a member of Brazil's World Cup teams in 1978, 1982, and 1986.
Attacking Midfield
Ronaldinho (1999-2013) | M: 97 | Goal: 33
Many believe Ronaldinho to be one of the finest players of his generation, if not the greatest of all time. Ronaldinho was named FIFA World Player of the Year twice and received the Ballon d'Or once. He was known for his dribbling abilities and technical talents. Ronaldinho won the Fifa World Cup in 2002.
Right Forward
Ronaldo (1994-2011) | M: 98 | Goal: 62
Ronaldo is widely recognized as one of the greatest footballers of all time. He has won two Ballon d'Or honors and has been named FIFA World Player of the Year three times. He won the Fifa World Cups in 1994 and 2002. In the 2002 edition of the tournament, he was the highest scorer.
Left Forward
Pelé (1957-1971) | M: 92 | Goal: 77
FIFA has dubbed Pelé "the best footballer of all time." He was one of the most accomplished and well-known athletes of the twentieth century. Pelé made his debut for the Brazil national team when he was 16 years old. He was the only player to win three FIFA World Cups: 1958, 1962, and 1970. Pelé has 77 goals in 92 matches, making him Brazil's all-time leading goalscorer.
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Bottom Line
As a whole, the above XI is the best Brazil team of all time. But, we should also mention that Brazil has produced a wide range of talented footballers over the years apart from the players who make the best XI. Dani Alves, Nilton Santos, Tafarel, Rivaldo, Romario, Garrincha, and Socrates are among the most noteworthy.