World Cup 2018: 5 great Brazilians who never got a World Cup winner's medal

When the US Basketball team participates at the Olympics, fans across the world expect them to return with the gold. Anything less would be a disappointment. Same is the case with any Brazilian side playing in the FIFA World Cup.

It's not difficult to understand why the level of expectations is so high from them. With a total of five FIFA World Cup victories, Brazil happens is the most decorated side in the tournament. The Canarinho (Little Canary) have had an endless supply of great players. Players like Pele, Garrincha and Ronaldo acquired legendary status after leading their teams to success.

At the same time, however, there have been many great Brazilian players who failed to win the ultimate prize. Today, we list down five such legendary Selecao players who were deprived of a world cup victory.

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#5 Careca

Antonio de Oliveira Filho, better known as Careca, is regarded as one of the greatest Brazilian strikers of all time. He is most famous for his spell at Napoli, where he was part of the legendary trio 'Ma-Gi-Ca' alongside Maradona and Giordano. Careca was a complete forward with exceptional positional sense and the ability to assist others as well.

The 1986 FIFA World Cup saw Careca announce himself to the world. With five goals, he finished second behind Gary Lineker in tournament's goal-scoring charts. Despite him scoring in the match, Brazil ended up bowing out to France in the quarterfinals.

Four years later, Brazil lost to defending champions Argentina in the round of 16. Careca found the net twice in the tournament. He played his last international in August 1993, almost a year before Brazil won their fourth world cup.

#4 Falcao

Falcao used to be the conductor of Brazil's orchestra

Regarded as one of the greatest footballers of the 80's, Paulo Roberto Falcao is considered a legend at both Internacional and A.S. Roma. A technically gifted player with a great vision, Falcao used to orchestrate play from the midfield. In fact, such was his influence in Italy that fans gave him a unique nickname - 'Eighth King of Rome'.

Earning his first cap in 1976, Falcao was surprisingly left out for the 1978 FIFA World Cup in Argentina. In 1982, however, he was at the peak of his career, and a World Cup call was inevitable. Playing every single game of Brazil's campaign, Falcao found the net twice in the first round and once in the second round. The latter, however, was not enough, as Brazil shockingly crashed out of the World Cup against eventual winners Italy.

Despite being past his prime, Falcao played at the 1986 FIFA World Cup. It was a lacklustre tournament for both him and Brazil, who were knocked out in the quarter-finals.

#3 Socrates

Socrates is widely considered to be

the one

of the best footballers of all time

Before the Ronaldos and Beckhams, Socrates was the definition of 'cool' for football fans. But don't let his iconic beard and philosophical ideas distract you from the fact that he was one of the greatest playmakers Brazil ever produced. The supremely intelligent midfielder possessed strength, technique and a remarkable eye for goal.

Socrates played 60 games for Brazil, scoring 22 goals in the process. His World Cup debut came in 1982, where he skippered the star-studded side. Socrates opened the scoring for Brazil, scoring a screamer against the Soviet Union. His only other goal of the tournament, which came against Italy, went in vain.

The 1986 FIFA World Cup again saw Socrates score twice, including the famous two-step penalty against Poland. The same trick however backfired in the quarterfinals where Brazil lost to France on penalties. Although Socrates failed to win the title, his style and charisma influenced millions.

#2 Leonidas

Leonidas was famous for his bicycle kicks

Leonidas da Silva, the 'Black Diamond', the 'Rubber Man', but most importantly, Brazil's first footballing superstar. Alongside Domingos da Guia, he became the face of football's rapid nation-wide rise during the 1930's. Not to forget, Leonidas is the man credited with inventing and popularising the 'Bicycle Kick'.

In the 1934 FIFA World Cup, Leonidas scored Brazil's only goal of the tournament, as they bowed out to Spain in the very first round. His real magic got showcased four years later. Netting seven goals in five matches, where Leonidas ended with the Golden Boot. He scored a decisive hat-trick in Brazil's 6-5 extra-time win over Poland.

Leonidas' performance was symbolic of Brazil's rise as a football superpower. Their third-place finish in 1938 paved the way for future Selecao sides.

#1 Zico

Zico is the most celebrated Brazilian footballer since Pele.

And finally, it's the name you all came looking for, Arthur Antunes Coimbra or Zico. Regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, he was an exceptional passer of the ball and scored over 500 goals in his career. Apart from being technically proficient, Zico possessed the iconic 'Brazilian flair', earning him the nickname 'White Pele'.

With 48 goals in 71 internationals, Zico is the highest scoring midfielder in Brazil's history. His World Cup journey began in 1978, where he scored a penalty against Peru and had a goal disallowed against Sweden. Four years later, Zico became part of the best Brazilian side to never win the World Cup. Scoring four goals and producing countless amazing moments on the pitch, he attained a global fan-following.

The 1986 FIFA World Cup gave him one last opportunity to win the coveted trophy. But, as discussed earlier, Brazil lost in quarterfinals to France in a match where Zico missed a penalty during regular time. Today, we remember him alongside Cruyff, Di Stefano and Platini as one of the greatest ever to never win the World Cup.