Ten Brazilian strikers that have set the bar for Neymar.
At this summer’s World Cup the majority of the world’s eyes will no doubt be on who is leading the line for the host nation. Renowned for producing a frightening number of world class goal getters, this year’s crop of Neymar, Fred and Hulk have a lot to live up to in order to be considered amongst the names below.
10. Adriano
2000-2010
Caps: 48
Goals: 27
It’s easy to sneer now, but there was a time when Adriano was genuinely the most exciting striker in the world and the natural heir to Ronaldo’s throne. Having never quite made the desired impact at the World Cup, he made up for it with a Copa American victory in 2004, before following it up with the Confederations Cup a year later. Off field troubles prevented him from reaching his true potential, but he can still look back on an impressive record of 27 goals in 48 appearances for the Selecao.
9. Robinho
2003-2013
Caps: 92
Goals: 27
Another player, like Adriano, that has left people wondering what might have been. Heralded as the next Pele, he blossomed under Dunga’s counter attacking system during his time in charge. Traditionally a second striker or a wide forward, the former Man City star played a major part in his country’s victories at the 2007 Copa America and the 2009 Confederations Cup. Many believe it was moving to Europe that ruined him and that he was never able to scale the highs that were predicted for him whilst at Real Madrid.
8. Jairzinho
1964-1982
Caps: 81
Goals: 33
Though he was most frequently deployed on the wing during his time, his goalscoring record warrants a place on the list as he would often venture down the middle for both club and country. He scored in every round of Brazil’s victory at the 1970 World Cup and was even named as Player of the Tournament and captivated generations with his electric dribbling ability and killer instance in front of goal.
7. Careca
1982-1993
Caps: 64
Goals: 30
Played with distinction alongside Diego Maradona at Napoli during the late 80s, and it was at the World Cup in 1986 that he really established himself on the international scene. He ended the tournament, during which Brazil were memorably eliminated on penalties by France at the quarter-final stage, with five goals which placed him second in the Golden Boot rankings behind England’s Gary Lineker. He was also a part of the 1990 squad that performed so disappointingly, but his excellent goalscoring record ensured that he remains a part of Brazil’s rich legacy.
6. Tostão
1966-1972
Caps: 54
Goals: 32
Like many other Brazilian forwards, Tostao was versatile enough to spend a good portion of his time on the left flank as well as up through the middle. He enjoyed a relatively short career at international level in comparison to many of the other names on this list as he was forced to retire at the tender age of 27 due to problems with a detached retina. However, he still managed to play a significant part in Brazil’s success in 1970 and boasts a fantastic goals to games ratio that means his presence is not out of place here.
5. Bebeto
1985-1998
Caps: 75
Goals: 39
A veteran of three World Cup campaigns in the 90s, the diminutive striker played a key role in the nations victory in the USA in 1994 and even acted as the experienced head alongside Ronaldo four years later in France. Bebeto was the top scorer for his country at the 1989 Copa America, but frequently played second fiddle to a bigger name at World Cup tournaments. That doesn’t matter, though, as he still did enough to be considered as a world class striker. And just in case that doesn’t mean anything, he was the first player to popularise the cradle swinging celebration.
4. Romario
1987-2005
Caps: 70
Goals: 55
Bebeto’s strike partner in 1994, he was frequently considered a controversial figure off the field, but always made sure he delivered on it. After starring in the 1988 Olympic Games where he finished as top scorer with six goals, he was agonisingly restricted to just an hour of action two years later in Italy. Success followed in the USA as he was lauded as the most exciting striker on the planet, but he subsequently missed out on the following two tournaments despite featuring regularly before and after them.
3. Ademir
1945-1953
Caps: 39
Goals: 32
The 1950 World Cup saw Brazil establish themselves as a threat on the world stage, and Ademir’s eight goals saw them through to the final. Sadly, that one ended in disaster for the Selecao, but he had been the hero in the 1949 Copa America triumph, when a hat-trick helped defeat Paraguay in the final, and he had lit up the World Cup. He could dribble with pace and let fly with an almighty howitzer.
2. Ronaldo
1994-2011
Caps: 98
Goals: 62
The phenom would perhaps gone on to become the greatest player ever had it not been for various injury and weight problems as his career progressed. The undisputed star of the 98 World Cup, the country fell apart in the final when he was not at his best, but he returned four years later to lift the trophy with another astonishing display. Also featuring for some of the world’s top clubs, he is still undoubtedly a legend of the game.
1. Pele
1957-1971
Caps: 92
Goals: 77
The only player in history to have lifted the World Cup on three occasions, Pele remains the greatest Brazilian striker of all time not only for that, but because of his extra ordinary goal scoring record at both club and international level. Breaking on to the scene as a 17-year-old, he become one of the most complete players the game has ever seen, capable of scoring and creating in equal measure thanks to his intelligent running and surprising physical strength. Still a popular figure in the game today, he has managed to keep himself at the summit of the pantheon of football greats.