The 10 greatest strikers in the history of Brazilian football

The birthplace of futebol-arte , Brazil has always been fertile ground for exceptional goalscorers. From Rio to São Paulo, from makeshift beaches to the world's greatest stadiums, Brazilian strikers have embodied the rare alliance between raw talent and surgical efficiency.

In this ranking, we look back at the 10 most influential strikers in Brazilian history , those who have left their mark on the world of football and redefined the art of scoring.

But first... 🤔 Let's redefine the striker position in Brazil

In Brazil, the role of a striker goes far beyond the simple idea of ​​a central goalscorer. Here, the striker is a complete player: he can be a classic number 9, a creative false nine, an advanced playmaker, or even a dynamic winger.

In Brazilian philosophy, any player capable of creating danger, beating an opponent, and finishing an attack is considered a full-fledged striker. This approach has allowed a variety of players, from Garrincha to Neymar , including Rivaldo and Ronaldinho , to express themselves freely within the Brazilian attacking system.

This expanded vision of the striker position in the Seleção explains why Brazil has produced so many goalscorers capable of both scoring and creating goals. In this football based on creativity and freedom, the wing is a launching pad, not a limit . Long dribbles from the touchline towards the center, quick combinations, and sudden strikes are part of the Brazilian DNA. Here, a winger is not just a provider of crosses: he is also a formidable goalscorer, an essential component of a system with two, three, or sometimes even four strikers.

10 - Bebeto

Clinical in the box and intelligent in his runs, Bebeto defined the 1994 era with his signature "cradle" celebration. A prolific goalscorer for both Deportivo La Coruña and the Seleção, he provided decisive goals in World Cup and Copa América tournaments. Less flashy than some, but incredibly efficient and possessing a strong sense of teamwork that enhanced the entire Brazilian attack.

9 - Roberto Dinamite

The Vasco da Gama striker lives up to his nickname: an explosive shot and a consistent eye for goal. A prolific goalscorer for Brazil in the 1970s and 80s, Roberto Dinamite racked up numerous domestic records. Less well-known in Europe, he remains a national icon with a stratospheric goal tally and remarkable longevity for a striker.

8 - Tostão

A key player and playmaker for the legendary 1970 Brazilian team, Tostão shone with his vision and movement off the ball. Less flamboyant than Pelé or Jairzinho, he linked lines, created space, and finished with composure. His understanding of the game elevated "futebol-arte," making him a discreet yet indispensable cog in Brazil's global saga.

7 - Zico

Often classified as an attacking midfielder, Zico was also an exceptional finisher : surgical precision, lethal free kicks, and a nose for goal. Flamengo's top scorer ( Libertadores Cup 1981), he racked up goals for both club and country. A complete creative striker, capable of turning a match around with a moment of brilliance or a perfectly placed shot.

6 - Jairzinho

A sprinter, dribbler, and finisher, Jairzinho scored in every one of Brazil's matches at the 1970 World Cup. His powerful runs and clinical finishing terrorized opposing defenses. With Botafogo and Brazil, he embodies the modern striker: speed, strength, directness… and that unerring instinct in the penalty area.

5 - Garrincha

A magician on the right flank, Garrincha eliminated defenders like no other. In 1962, he led Brazil to the title, racking up goals and assists. More than a winger, he was a creative and clinical striker, capable of deciding the game on his own. His legend with Botafogo and Brazil remains the very essence of samba football: joy, improvisation, and efficiency.

4 - Neymar

Between dribbling, creativity, and finishing, Neymar is the most productive Brazilian striker of the modern era. Developed at Santos and established in Europe, he consistently scores and assists for the national team. His technical ability allows him to play in every attacking position, with a volume of decisive contributions worthy of the greatest players in Brazilian history.

3 - Romário

Romário embodied the pure instinct of a striker: short runs, control and shot, maximum efficiency. The attacking leader of the 1994 World Cup victory, he shone at PSV, Barça, and with the Seleção. His understanding of tight spaces and his composure in front of goal shaped the archetype of the killer, minimalist Brazilian number 9.

2 - Ronaldo Nazário

Speed, power, silky touch: Ronaldo redefined the modern striker. Despite injuries, he amassed Ballon d'Or awards, major titles, and iconic goals, including his brace in the 2002 final. At Barcelona, ​​Inter Milan, Real Madrid, and with Brazil, he left the mark of an absolute phenomenon, unstoppable at his peak. To this day, he remains one of the most popular strikers in the history of Brazilian football.

1 - Pelé

Pelé remains the gold standard: clinical finishing, heading ability, a strong sense of teamwork, and a knack for the big occasion. A key player in the 1958 and 1970 World Cup victories, he embodied the art of football at Santos and throughout Brazil. Beyond the statistics, his influence defined the ideal Brazilian striker: complete, decisive, and timeless. The ultimate benchmark.