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A country full of incredible football talent, Brazil is where football thrives. Often renowned for their flair and samba style of football, some of the best players to have played the game have emerged from the country.
From the likes of Pele to Neymar, Brazil have been a consistent provider of world-class talent to top European clubs. While it is usually the forwards who take the limelight, the country has provided some top-quality defenders as well as midfielders.
Brazilian midfielders are often renowned for their strong technical skills, as well as a certain elegance and style while playing football. Without much ado, let us take a look at the five greatest Brazilian midfielders of all-time:
#5 Kaka
Considered one of the best players of his generation, Kaka is regarded as a modern great in football.
The midfielder began his career with Sao Paulo in Brazil, before moving to AC Milan in 2003 for €8.5 million. Here, the Brazil international would enjoy the best spell of his career, with his creativity, elegance and technical ability all standing out.
A €67 million move to Real Madrid followed in 2009, but injuries limited his appearances and he failed to replicate his form in Milan with Los Blancos. After stints with Orlando City and Sao Paulo, the World Cup and Ballon d'Or winner retired in 2014.
#4 Ronaldinho
One of Brazil's finest, Ronaldinho typified the Brazilian style of football; flair, dribbling and all-round fun.
Ronaldinho's European adventure began with Paris Saint-Germain in 2001, before a move to Barcelona in 2003 established him as one of the best players in the world. Predominantly an attacking midfielder, the World Cup winner could play as a forward if needed.
Before Lionel Messi, Ronaldinho ran Barcelona's attacks with huge success. A highly-creative player, he moved to AC Milan in 2008, finishing his playing career in 2015 after making appearances for the likes of Flamengo, Atletico Mineiro and Queretaro.
#3 Socrates
A politically outspoken person with a medical degree, Socrates was not the average footballer.
An extremely gifted midfielder, Socrates began his career with Botafogo in 1973, before moving to Corinthians in 1978. A tall presence with an eye for goal, the Brazil international's passing was renowned. His only stint in Europe came at Fiorentina, where he would spend a season before returning to Brazil.
The Brazil international retired in 1984, going on to coach the likes of Botafogo and LDU Quito. He passed away in 2011, aged 57.
#2 Gerson
Regarded as the "brain" behind the Brazil team which won the 1970 World Cup in Mexico, Gerson was an elegant and technically gifted midfielder.
He made his debut for Flamengo in 1959, and immediately made an impression with his playmaking and goalscoring abilities. Well-renowned for his passing, Gerson is often considered as one of the best passers in World Cup history.
Injuries played a major role in his career, limiting his appearances for club and country. He made appearances for Botafogo, Sao Paulo and Fluminense after leaving Flamengo. Gerson retired in 1974.
#1 Zico
One of the greatest players of all-time, Zico was nicknamed "White Pele" because of his incredible talent.
Zico spent much of his playing career with Brazilian giants Flamengo. A diminutive playmaker with good passing and dribbling technique, the Brazil international's creativity ran Flamengo's and Brazil's attacks.
He left Flamengo in 1983 to join Udinese, where he became a fan favourite despite only playing two seasons. He returned to Flamengo, and five years later moved to Kashima Antlers. He retired in 1994, and has had stints with the Japan national team, Iraq national team and FC Goa as head coach.
