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Football is quite synonymous to Brazil. They have been dominating the sport ever since its origin and a record five World Cup titles prove it all. They, as a nation, have made immense contributions to make the game what it is now.
They have contributed many top talents that are adored across world football - Pele, Ronaldinho, Zico, Ronaldo and more besides, there is an endless list of those Brazilian legends who had redefined the beautiful game from top to bottom.
At present, the whole Brazil side is represented by an iconic figure in attack too - Neymar Jr. Having become the world's most expensive player at 26-years-old, he is one of the world's best forwards and currently plays his trade with Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain.
Unlikely to decline anytime soon, it will nonetheless be interesting to see who replaces him as Brazil's new star in the coming years. Here is a list of five talents who can do precisely that:
#5 Malcom (Barcelona)
Age: 21
Position: Forward
Malcom has been one of the big talking points from this transfer window. The youngster was eyed by a number of top European sides - though AS Roma and Barcelona tabled bids, with the La Liga champions managing to swoop in at the final moments before his proposed switch to Italy could be completed, and acquire an exciting gem unexpectedly.
There's a reason why there's so much interest in the former Corinthians youngster - who possesses the ability to create chances from seemingly nothing. For example, only three Ligue 1 players: Dimitri Payet (121), Benjamin Bourigeaud (93) and Mathieu Dossevi (81) have created more chances than Malcom (79) while he was at Bordeaux; when compared to fellow under-23 players in Europe's top five leagues, he leads the way.
If he manages to find his feet at Barcelona and settle quickly, he will probably contribute to replacing Neymar in the long-term future at international level.
#4 Andreas Pereira (Manchester United)
Age: 22
Position: Midfielder
It remains to be seen whether Pereira has a long-term future at Manchester United, with just under a year remaining on his existing deal. If he does leave Old Trafford though, he will not be short of interested suitors across Europe's top leagues.
Pereira's performances for a resurgent Valencia side in Spain last term ensure the Belgian-born Brazilian midfielder doesn't have to worry too much about his future if he leaves one of England's top clubs.
He'll be granted a platform to show precisely what United are missing out on with his creative brilliance. Couple that with great vision and technical ability, he has the potential to assert his credentials as a mainstay in midfield for years to come.
#3 Raphinha (Sporting Lisbon)
Age: 21
Position: Winger
Born in Porto Alegre, the same city that Ronaldinho was born in, the impressive Raphinha aspires to forge a similar career to his illustrious compatriot.
He's going about it well too, having scored 15 goals and created five more across 32 league appearances last season in Portugal - nearly four times more than he managed across his first two seasons with Vitória Guimarães. Currently at Sporting Lisbon, he is yet to show his true colours in the Primeira Liga.
#2 Vinicius Jr (Real Madrid)
Age: 18
Position: Striker
In Vinicius Junior, will Los Blancos be landing the next Neymar or the next Keirrison? It is not always easy to guess how even the most talented youngsters will step up when swapping Brazil's Serie A for the hustle and bustle of European football.
Vinicius Junior is the newest name in a long line of brilliant Brazilians and last month was unveiled amid much fanfare by Real Madrid – just eight days after his 18th birthday.
For the former Flamengo wonderkid, it was the next step in his fast-track to the top. And he has had time to prepare, having made only a handful of appearances with the Rio de Janeiro club before agreeing an astonishing €45 million (£38m/$50m) switch to the Champions League winners.
#1 Gabriel Jesus (Manchester City)
His potential and current ability is already impressive
Age: 21
Position: Striker
Brazil’s next great number nine? Quite possibly. Gabriel Jesus, who ignored heavy interest from Spain's top sides to sign for Manchester City two years ago, has proven himself to be a star under Pep Guardiola - proving to be Sergio Agüero’s worthy successor - and will look to continue improving after a difficult World Cup campaign in Russia this summer.
A talented and versatile forward, Jesus is capable of playing in several attacking positions: he has been deployed as a centre forward, as an out-and-out striker, as a false 9, as an inside forward, as a winger or as an attacking midfielder and is renowned for his pace, technical skills, dribbling ability, creativity, finishing, movement, and work ethic.
Former Brazilian forward Ronaldo has praised Jesus and touted him for future success with the Brazilian national team.
Do you agree with this list? Did we leave anyone other? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
