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#3 Carlos Alberto
Carlos Alberto captained the all-star 1970 FIFA World Cup-winning Brazilian side, and is considered by many as one of football’s greatest ever defenders.
The decorated Brazilian spent most of his professional career in his home country, representing some of the biggest clubs in the Brazilian Serie A. This includes Fluminense, Santos and Flamengo, where Alberto spent a combined total of almost 15 years.
He spent the latter half of his playing career in North America, representing the New York Cosmos and California Surf. Nicknamed 'O Capitao do Tri', Alberto made 743 appearances in club football, along with 53 caps for Brazil.
Carlos Alberto’s stunning goal against Italy in the 1970 FIFA World Cup final was named in the list of 100 Greatest Sporting Moments.
As a right-back, Alberto scored 72 cumulative goals for club and country.
#2 Mane Garrincha
Referred to as 'Alegria do Povo' or People’s Joy, Garrincha is regarded as one of Brazil’s best footballers of all time.
The forward formed a lethal attacking partnership with Pele to propel Brazil to their first FIFA World Cup trophy in 1958. Garrincha assisted both goals against Sweden in the final to help his team stage a remarkable 5-2 win.
An injury in the second match of the 1962 FIFA World Cup sidelined Pele for the entire tournament, which meant Garrincha was the effective leader of Brazil’s forward line. He emerged as the best player of the tournament, scoring two goals against England in the quarter-finals and another two against Chile in the semis.
Despite running a high fever leading up to the final, the legendary forward played a crucial role in guiding Brazil to a 3-1 win. That was his second FIFA World Cup trophy in as many attempts. The legendary forward spent most of his footballing career in the Brazilian Serie A.
Garrincha was adored by the fans and, to date, remains one of the most skilful and entertaining footballers in the game’s history.
#1 Pele
Even today, Pele is regarded by many as the greatest footballer to have ever lived, and is an absolute icon of the sport.
The Brazilian is arguably the greatest player in FIFA World Cup history, playing a pivotal role in his team's three triumphs. Pele racked up a stellar tally of 77 goals and 21 assists with the national side, and he remains Brazil’s most successful footballer ever.
The Selecao won their first three FIFA World Cups with Pele in the squad. But they would have to wait another 24 years after the legendary forward’s international retirement following the 1970 triumph.
Pele spent 18 years of his career at Santos, where he won six Brazilian Serie A titles, two Copa Libertadores and two Intercontinental Cups, to name a few.
The Brazilian spent the last two years of his career at the New York Cosmos, winning the NASL Soccer Bowl Championship. Pele registered 557 official appearances for both clubs, scoring a staggering 538 goals.
Upon meeting Pele, former American President Ronald Reagan said:
“My name is Ronald Reagan, I’m the President of the United States of America. But you don’t need to introduce yourself, because everyone knows who Pele is.”
