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Brazil has always been a factory of talented players throughout history and is the home of a galaxy of football greats such as Pelé, Garrincha, Zico, Ronaldo, Ronaldinho and Neymar, to name a few.
Following what seemed to be a dark phase after the 7-1 hammering at the hands of the Germans in the 2014 FIFA World Cup semi-final, on home soil, it seems that Brazilian football is on the rise again.
As a matter of fact, Brazil's talents are all over the old continent. Having said that, here are the best 5 under 21 Brazilian talents in Europe:
#5 Gabigol
Gabriel Barbosa was regarded as one of the biggest talents in the Brazilian league, in between 2015 and 2016. The Santos product impressed in the big games, more often than not, as many touted him to be the next great attacker of Brazil's national team.
The youngster earned his first Seleção call-up in 2016 and was part of Brazil's squad in Copa América, where he managed to score against Haiti after coming on as a sub. Barbosa would later join the national team for the Olympic games in Rio, where he would help his country achieve gold for the first time in its history.
Lack of game-time in Serie A meant that Gabigol would seek another club to revive his career and after a long period of negotiations in the summer, he joined Benfica. The 21-year old has so far done well in the few chances he has had with the Portuguese powerhouse and looks to be back on track.
For a player at the start of his career, Gabigol still has enough time to retrieve the level of performances that he has once shown at Santos and prove himself in Europe.
#4 David Neres
David Neres was one of the highlights of Brazil under-20 side in the South American championship in January 2017. Prior to that, the teenager impressed everyone with his dribbling skills and dazzling runs with Paulista giants São Paulo FC. It did not take too long for Dutch powerhouse Ajax to notice his immense potential, and acquire his services.
Neres has been quick to adapt to the Eredivisie and is already regarded as one of the key elements in Ajax's front-line. This season, the 20-year old has been the author of 4 goals and 2 assists in merely 6 league appearances.
Brazil manager Tite has recently hailed the youngster's footballing abilities and has named him as one of the potential new-arrivals to the national team in the near future.
These words of praise will no doubt be a big boost for Neres' confidence.
#3 Richarlison
Just like compatriot David Neres, Richarlison used the under 20 South American Championship in January in order to boost his reputation for the numerous European scouts that attended Brazil's matches.
After rumours linked the attacker with a move to Chelsea and Ajax, Richarlison ended up at Premier League side Watford, where his start has been extremely promising, to say the least.
In 9 league appearances, the 20-year old has already scored on 3 occasions, while mustering 2 assists. The general consensus is that the left-winger has been one of the most impressive young talents in England, so far in this campaign.
If Richarlison continues to pull-out such performances, it may not be too long before a stronger side snatches him from Watford, though it seems that his permanence under Marco Silva's tutelage is the best decision for his development, at the moment.
#2 Malcom
For someone from the French league to be considered as a more promising talent than Richarlison who is doing well in his first season in England, he has to be something special - this is exactly what Malcom is.
The 20-year was a starter and a key figure in the Corinthians side that won the Brazilian league in 2015, under Tite, who now happens to be the manager of Brazil's national team. Malcom impressed with his maturity, intelligence as well as individual skills, which earned him a move to Bordeaux.
Malcom has gradually cemented himself as the best player for the Ligue 1 side, and is, as a matter of fact, nominated for the award of player of the month in France. The left-footed winger has all the necessary traits to reach stardom in Europe and already looks to emulate his idol Neymar.
When Bordeaux travelled away to the Parc des Princes in league action, it turned out to be an easy victory for Paris Saint-Germain, but one player who left a good impression from the visitors was Malcom who was a constant thread throughout the match and managed to find the net.
The Brazilian is already on 5 goals and 4 assists in 9 appearances this season.
#1 Gabriel Jesus
There was never any doubt about the identity of the player at number one, was there? Gabriel Jesus is not only the best Brazilian under-21 player in Europe, but has even been nominated alongside French stars Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé, for the 2017 Golden Boy award.
Gabriel Jesus has already scored 10 goals and delivered 3 assists in 15 games, across all competitions for Manchester City and Brazil's national team, this season. A goal-scoring machine that keeps on improving game after game.
Under the tutelage of Pep Guardiola, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest managers in the world, the future could be very bright for the 20-year old who is set to lead his country's front-line in the 2018 FIFA World Cup, on Russian soil.
