Brazil conjures up a spectacular imagery of colonial infrastructure, pristine beaches, gargantuan carnivals and festivals and of course, the 98-foot tall statue of Christ the Redeemer. A global power in many sense, it is the fifth largest country in the world and the seventh largest in terms of economy. But Brazil has more to it than its colourful carnivals, beautiful beaches and religious sites – its talented bunch of men and women who through their exemplary works have led the country to become a powerhouse that it is today. Talking of extraordinary Brazilian men primarily, their contribution to the world forum has been absolutely immeasurable.
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1
Neymar(Brazilian Professional Football Player Who Plays as a Forward)
Birthdate: February 5, 1992
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: State of São Paulo, Brazil
Amongst the best football players in the world presently, Neymar is a part of Brazil national team and French club Paris Saint-Germain. The prolific goal scorer debuted with Santos and played for Barcelona before joining PSG in a deal that made him the world’s most expensive player. He led Brazil national team to its first Olympic gold medal in 2016.
2
Pele(One of the Greatest Football Players of All Time)
Birthdate: October 23, 1940
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Tres Coracoes, Brazil
Brazilian football legend Edson Arantes do Nascimento, better known as Pele, was named the Football Player of the Century by the IFFHS. He called football “The Beautiful Game” and was one of the world’s highest-paid athlete for a while. His 1279 goals in 1363 games is a Guinness World Record.
3
Ronaldo(Brazilian Retired Professional Footballer Who Played as a Striker)
Birthdate: September 18, 1976
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Rio de Janeiro, State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Ronaldo Luís Nazário de Lima is a Brazilian retired professional footballer who played as a striker. Widely considered one of the greatest players of all time, he played for Brazil in 98 matches, scoring 62 goals. He was named FIFA World Player of the Year three times. He retired in 2011 and has since established himself as a successful businessperson.
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Ronaldinho(Brazilian Retired Professional Football Player Who Played as an Attacking Midfielder)
Birthdate: March 21, 1980
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Porto Alegre, State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
Regarded as one of the best football players of all time, Ronaldinho played a crucial role in Brazil’s victory in 2002 FIFA World Cup. Later, he helped FC Barcelona win two La Liga and a UEFA Champions League title. The two time FIFA world Player of the Year, who retired in 2018, was known for his technical skills and creativity.
Recommended Lists:Birthdate: April 14, 1975
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: São Paulo, State of São Paulo, Brazil
Brazilian MMA legend Anderson Silva began learning Taekwondo at 12. He holds the record of the longest reign by any UFC title-holder, being the middleweight champion from 2006 to 2013, and also has a record of 16 consecutive wins. He also has black belts in multiple martial art forms.
6
Ayrton Senna(One of the Greatest F1 Drivers in the History of the Sport)
Birthdate: March 21, 1960
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: São Paulo, Brazil
Died: May 1, 1994
Ayrton Senna was a Brazilian racing driver. Widely considered one of the greatest F1 drivers of all time, Ayrton had won the prestigious F1 World Drivers' Championship thrice. Following his fatal accident in 1994, several safety improvements were introduced to the sports' set-up; higher crash safety standards, redesigned tracks, and improved crash barriers became part of the sport.
Recommended Lists:7
Kaká(Brazilian Former Professional Football Payer Who Played as an Attacking Midfielder)
Birthdate: April 22, 1982
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Gama, Federal District, Brazil
Regarded as one of the best footballers of his generation, Kaká is a Brazilian retired football player. He is one of eight footballers to have won the Ballon d'Or, the UEFA Champions League, and the FIFA World Cup. Also known for his humanitarian work, Kaká has been working with the United Nations, as part of its World Food Programme initiative.
8
Dani Alves(Brazilian Professional Footballer Who Plays as a Right-Back)
Birthdate: May 6, 1983
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Juazeiro, State of Bahia, Brazil
Dani Alves is a Brazilian professional footballer. He currently plays as a right-back for La Liga club Barcelona and the Brazil national team. He is widely considered one of the greatest full-backs of all time. With 46 titles at the senior level and 47 official titles overall, he is the most decorated player in the history of football.
Recommended Lists:Birthdate: October 26, 1984
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Rafael dos Anjos is a Brazilian-American mixed martial artist. A former UFC Lightweight Champion, dos Anjos is renowned for his aggressive approach, which often takes his opponents by surprise. Characterized by his strong takedown capabilities and physical strength, dos Anjos holds victories over popular martial artists like Robbie Lawler and Benson Henderson.
10
Philippe Coutinho(Brazilian Professional Football Player Who Plays as an Attacking Midfielder and Winger)
Birthdate: June 12, 1992
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Brazilian footballer, Phillipe Coutinho, is hailed as one of the most talented midfielders and playmakers in the world. He has been a key player for Premier League clubs like Inter Milan, Liverpool, FC Barcelona and Bayern Munich. He was a member of the Brazilian national team that won the 2019 Copa America.
Recommended Lists:11
Rivaldo(Brazilian Former Football Player Who Played as an Attacking Midfielder)
Birthdate: April 19, 1972
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: State of Pernambuco, Brazil
Brazilian former footballer Rivaldo is known for his powerful strikes and has had successful stints with the clubs Barcelona and Milan. He is the seventh-highest goal-scorer for Brazil and was part of the 2002 FIFA World Cup-winning team. Post-retirement, he appeared in the film I Am Not Salvador.
12
Roberto Firmino(Brazilian Professional Footballer Who Plays as a Forward / Attacking Midfielder)
Birthdate: October 2, 1991
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Maceió, Brazil
Roberto Firmino started his career with Figueirense and Hoffenheim, before joining Liverpool, with whom he won the Champions League, the UEFA Super Cup, the FIFA Club World Cup, and a Premier League. Known for his no-look goals and Matador-style celebration, he was part of the 2019 Copa America-winning Brazil team
Recommended Lists:13
Romário(One of the Greatest Football Players of All Time)
Birthdate: January 29, 1966
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Rio de Janeiro, State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
One of the most prolific goal scorers in the history of football, Romario has had an engaging and electric presence both on and off field. He starred in Brazil's 1994 FIFA World Cup triumph and was named the Player of The Tournament, earning a Golden Ball. He later turned to politics after he bid adieu to the field.
14
Roberto Carlos(Brazilian Former Professional Football Player Who Played as a Left-Back)
Birthdate: April 10, 1973
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Garça, São Paulo, Brazil
A major force behind Brazil’s World Cup win in 2002, Roberto Carlos was born into a poor peasant family and grew up working on his family farm. He soared to fame during his 11-season stint with Real Madrid, winning four La Liga titles and three UEFA Champions Leagues with them.
Recommended Lists:Birthdate: August 24, 1947
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Brazilian novelist Paulo Coelho is best known for his iconic novel The Alchemist, which has been translated into about 70 languages. He was once sent to a mental institution by his parents for not following the usual career path. He dropped out of law school and became a hippie later.
16
Royce Gracie(One of the Most Influential Figures in the History of Mixed Martial Arts)
Birthdate: December 12, 1966
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Rio de Janeiro, State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Brazilian MMA fighter Royce Gracie, part of the renowned Gracie family of mixed martial artists, won the UFC 1, UFC 2, and UFC 4 championships. He made the Brazilian jiu-jitsu, or the Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, popular, and holds the 7th degree red/black coral belt in the art.
Recommended Lists:17
Gabriel Jesus(Football Brazilian Professional Footballer Who Plays as a Striker)
Birthdate: April 3, 1997
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Sao Paulo, Brazil
Height: 5'9" (175 cm)
18
Marcelo(Brazilian Professional Footballer Who Plays as a Left-Back)
Birthdate: May 12, 1988
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Rio de Janeiro, State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Brazilian footballer Marcelo Vieira, who now captains the Spanish club Real Madrid, is known as one of the world’s best left-backs. The Rio-born football star has previously had a successful stint with the Brazilian club Fluminense. He also won Brazil a team bronze and a team silver at the Olympics.
Recommended Lists:19
Thiago Silva(Brazilian Professional Footballer Who Plays as a Centre-Back)
Birthdate: September 22, 1984
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Rio de Janeiro, State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Thiago Silva is a Brazilian professional footballer. He plays as a center-back for Premier League club Chelsea and the Brazil national team. He is counted among the best central defenders of his generation. He began playing football as a teenager and had a brilliant youth career. He made his international debut in 2008 and has appeared in seven major tournaments.
20
Casemiro(Brazilian Professional Footballer Who Plays as a Defensive Midfielder)
Birthdate: February 23, 1992
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: São José dos Campos, Brazil
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Alisson(Brazilian Professional Footballer Who Plays as a Goalkeeper)
Birthdate: October 2, 1992
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Novo Hamburgo, Brazil
Height: 6'4" (193 cm)
22
David Luiz(Brazilian Professional Football Player Who Plays as a Centre-back)
Birthdate: April 22, 1987
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Diadema, Brazil
David Luiz is a Brazilian professional footballer. He currently plays for the Brazilian sports club Flamengo. He is primarily a center-back, but he can also play as a defensive midfielder. Since making his full international debut for Brazil in 2010, he has earned over 50 caps for his country. He also co-owns an Italian restaurant.
23
Charles Oliveira(Brazilian Professional Mixed Martial Artist)
Birthdate: October 17, 1989
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Guarujá Guarujá, São Paulo, Brazil
Height: 5'10" (178 cm)
24
Robinho(Brazilian Former Professional Footballer Who Played as a Forward)
Birthdate: January 25, 1984
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: São Vicente, São Paulo São Vicente, Brazil
Robinho is a Brazilian football player who was lucky and talented enough to be picked by Pelé as his heir apparent when the former was 15 years old. However, his career has been marked by inconsistency and Robinho is often accused of not living up to his potential. He has also been convicted of sexual assault by an Italian court.
25
Richarlison(Brazilian Professional Footballer Who Plays as a Forward)
Birthdate: May 10, 1997
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Nova Venécia, Brazil
Height: 6'0" (183 cm)
26
Willian(Brazilian Professional Footballer Who Plays as a Winger)
Birthdate: August 9, 1988
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Ribeirão Pires, Brazil
Height: 5'9" (175 cm)
27
Fred(Brazilian Professional Footballer Who Plays as a Midfielder)
Birthdate: March 5, 1993
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Belo Horizonte, State of Minas Gerais, Brazil
Height: 5'7" (170 cm)
28
Wagner Moura(Brazilian Actor, Filmmaker, Musician, Director, and Journalist)
Birthdate: June 27, 1976
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Rodelas, Bahia, Brazil
Height: 5'11" (180 cm)
29
Hulk(Brazilian Professional Football Player Who Plays as a Forward)
Birthdate: July 25, 1986
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Campina Grande, Paraiba
Givanildo Vieira de Sousa, better known as Hulk due to his strong built, is a Brazilian football player. He is currently one of the most important members of the Shanghai SIPG F.C., which competes in the Chinese Super League. Also a key player for Brazil, Hulk helped his national team win the silver medal at the 2012 Summer Olympics.
30
Gabriel Martinelli(Brazilian Professional Footballer Who Plays as a Left Winger)
Birthdate: June 18, 2001
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Guarulhos, Brazil
Height: 5'10" (178 cm)
Birthdate: March 8, 1988
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Reston, Virginia
Record producer and songwriter Benny Blanco has worked with renowned artists such as Ed Sheeran, Rihanna, and Katy Perry. His debut solo single, Eastside, was a Billboard Hot 100-charter. He has won the BMI Songwriter of the Year five times. He also had a collaborative cooking show on YouTube.
32
Rodrigo Santoro(Brazilian Actor Known for His Role as ‘Xerxes’ in the Films ‘300’ and '300: Rise of an Empire')
Birthdate: August 22, 1975
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Petrópolis, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Brazilian actor and voice actor Rodrigo Santoro is best known for his portrayal of Persian King Xerxes in the movie 300. After training at the Actor's Workshop of Rede Globo, he started appearing in TV shows. Eventually, he began acting in films in Brazil. He has also appeared in many Hollywood movies and is the recipient of many awards.
33
Oscar(Brazilian Professional Footballer Who Plays an Attacking Midfielder)
Birthdate: September 9, 1991
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Americana, São Paulo, Brazil
Height: 5'10" (178 cm)
34
Fabinho(Brazilian Professional Footballer Who Plays as a Midfielder)
Birthdate: October 23, 1993
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Campinas, Brazil
Height: 6'2" (188 cm)
35
Rickson Gracie(Brazilian Mixed Martial Artist)
Birthdate: November 21, 1959
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Rio de Janeiro, State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Height: 5'10" (178 cm)
36
Ederson(Brazilian Professional Footballer Who Plays as a Goalkeeper)
Birthdate: August 17, 1993
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Osasco, State of São Paulo, Brazil
Height: 6'2" (188 cm)
37
Douglas Costa(Brazilian Professional Footballer Who Plays as a Winger)
Birthdate: September 14, 1990
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Sapucaia do Sul, Brazil
Height: 5'8" (173 cm)
38
Garrincha(One of the Greatest Football Players of All Time)
Birthdate: October 28, 1933
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Pau Grande, Magé, State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Died: January 20, 1983
Height: 5'7" (170 cm)
39
Felipe Massa(Brazilian Formula 1 Driver Who Competed in 15 Seasons between 2002 and 2017)
Birthdate: April 25, 1981
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: São Paulo, Brazil
Felipe Massa is a Brazilian racing driver who participated in Formula One from 2002 to 2017, during which he gained 11 Grand Prix victories. In 2006, he became the first Brazilian after Ayrton Senna da Silva to win the Brazilian Grand Prix.
40
Lucas Paquetá(Brazilian Professional Footballer Who Plays as an Attacking Midfielder)
Birthdate: August 27, 1997
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Height: 5'11" (180 cm)
41
Adriano Leite Ribeiro(Brazilian Former Professional Footballer Who Played as a Striker)
Birthdate: February 17, 1982
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Rio de Janeiro
Height: 6'3" (190 cm)
42
Andreas Pereira(Belgian-Born Footballer Who Plays as a Midfielder for Brazil)
Birthdate: January 1, 1996
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Duffel, Belgium
The son of Brazilian footballer Marcos Pereira, Andreas Pereira is a fine midfielder in his own right and plays for Fulham. The Belgian-born footballer started his senior career with the club Manchester United. While he initially represented the youth teams of both Belgium and Brazil, he later joined the Brazilian senior national team.
43
Nelson Piquet(Brazilian Retired Racing Driver and Businessman)
Birthdate: August 17, 1952
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Rio de Janeiro, State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
While he initially excelled in tennis, Nelson Piquet later made a name for himself as one of Brazil’s top racers. A 3-time world champion, the Formula One star later also ventured into business. He owned a GPS-tracking company and also launched the racing team Piquet Sports.
44
Rubens Barrichello(Racing Driver Who Competed in Formula One Between 1993 and 2011)
Birthdate: May 23, 1972
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: São Paulo, Brazil
Rubens Barrichello is a Brazilian racing driver best known for competing in Formula One and scoring 11 Grand Prix wins between 1993 and 2011. From 2000 to 2005, he drove for Ferrari as Michael Schumacher's teammate and contributed to five constructors' titles for Ferrari.
45
Sócrates(Brazilian Footballer Who Played as a Midfielder)
Birthdate: February 19, 1954
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Belém, State of Pará, Brazil
Died: December 4, 2011
46
Raphinha(Brazilian Professional Footballer Who Plays as a Winger)
Birthdate: December 14, 1996
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Porto Alegre, Brazil
Height: 5'9" (175 cm)
47
Hélio Gracie(Brazilian Martial Artist and Judo Player)
Birthdate: October 1, 1913
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Belém, State of Pará, Brazil
Died: January 29, 2009
Height: 5'9" (175 cm)
48
Lucas Moura(Brazilian Professional Footballer Who Last Played as a Right Winger and Forward)
Birthdate: August 13, 1992
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: São Paulo, Brazil
Height: 5'8" (173 cm)
49
Emerson Fittipaldi(Brazilian Formula One Racing Champion in 1972 and 1974)
Birthdate: December 12, 1946
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: São Paulo, Brazil
Emerson Fittipaldi is a Brazilian retired racing driver best known for winning both the Indianapolis 500 and the Formula One World Championship twice each. In 1972, he won the World Drivers' Championship at the age of 25, becoming the youngest F1 world champion. In 2001, Emerson Fittipaldi was made an inductee of the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America.
50
Alex Pereira(Brazilian Professional Mixed Martial Artist and Former Kickboxer)
Birthdate: July 7, 1987
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: São Bernardo do Campo, São Paulo, Brazil
Height: 6'4" (193 cm)
Paulo Coelho and his books, Ronaldo and his soccer, Eduardo Saverin and his powerful social media platform Facebook, Rodolfo Amoedo and his paintings, Mario de Andrade’s poetry and Jorge Paulo Lemann’s AmBev and 3G Capital - Brazil has been a hotbed of talented men. And that it not all for Brazil has been home to greatest scientists, inventors, historical figures, models, intellectuals, religious leaders, musicians, monarchs, actors and sports personnels. Read this section to update yourself with the life, career, works and timeline of famous Brazilian men.
