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Football is widely regarded as 'the beautiful game' with Brazil over the decades becoming the flagbearers of 'Jogo Bonito' due to their style. Selecao's samba brand of football is renowned for its grace and flair, giving us countless moments of pure joy in the game.
To say that Brazil breathes football is the perfect way to signify their immense love for the game. The Latin American side has been one of the significant reasons behind the beauty in football.
Brazil boasts a rich history, winning the FIFA World Cup a record five times. They have also won the FIFA Confederations Cup a record four times, and the Copa America on nine occasions.
Brazil have produced some of the greatest footballers to ever grace the game throughout their history. From Pele to Neymar, numerous Brazilian greats have emerged and dominated football in an unprecedented manner.
The Ballon d'Or is the most prestigious award handed to the best footballer of the year. Unfortunately, many Brazilian greats were not eligible due to the selection criteria of Ballon d'Or till 1995 that only honored European players. Some of the Brazilians have won the coveted prize since a change in the rules in 1995.
On that note, let us take a look at
Brazil's 4 Ballon d'Or winners
#4 Ricardo Kaka
One of the modern greats, Kaka was the Ballon d'Or winner in 2007 before the domination of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo began. Renowned for his technical skills, Kaka had a unique elegance and style with the ball. The Brazilian's daunting forward runs and vision made him almost unstoppable for the defenders.
During his tenure at AC Milan, Kaka was at his absolute best. He enjoyed his best campaign in 2007, leading Milan to a Champions League triumph while being the tournament's top goalscorer (10). For his exploits, the midfielder was awarded the Ballon d'Or award in 2007.
#3 Rivaldo
Even before the likes of Ronaldinho and Kaka dominated world football, Rivaldo left an incredible mark on his nation. The 'bandy-legged genius' was an integral part of the Brazil team which reached the 1998 World Cup final. They won the 1999 Copa America and 2002 World Cup.
In addition to being Brazil's talisman, Rivaldo enjoyed a successful tenure with Barcelona in the early 2000s. The Brazilian forward helped Barcelona win four titles in five campaigns and scored 130 goals for the club.
Rivaldo was awarded the Ballon d'Or in 1999 after helping the Catalan giants win the La Liga title. He was also the best player in Brazil's Copa America triumph.
#2 Ronaldinho
One of Brazil's greatest, Ronaldinho was the one who embodied Samba style and flair in the modern era. He endorsed the joy of 'Jogo Bonito', with his caliber on the pitch and with his persona off it. The legendary Brazilian gifted us countless moments which are impossible to forget and made many fall in love with this beautiful game.
With the ball at his feat, Ronaldinho had the capability to do all sorts of things. His extravagant stepovers, shrewd dribbling and outrageous passing made him one of the best of his generation. While the Brazilian midfielder helped his nation win their fifth World Cup, he initiated a new era at Barcelona.
With Barcelona falling from grace in early 2000s, Ronaldinho was the perfect player to reignite hope at the Nou Camp. He racked up 94 goals and 71 assists in over 200 appearances for the Catalan giants, helping them win numerous titles. Before Lionel Messi, Ronaldinho was the undisputed creative fulcrum of the team. His mentorship was significant for Messi and helped shape his career.
For his nation, Ronaldinho formed a dangerous trident with Ronaldo and Rivaldo on their way to Brazil's 2002 World Cup triumph. Numerous trophies and accolades followed the Brazilian, notably winning the Ballon d'Or in 2005. He was crowned the best player in the world after leading Barcelona to La Liga and Champions League titles.
#1 Ronaldo Nazario
Had it not been for injuries, Ronaldo Nazario would undoubtedly have been a resounding name in the debate for the greatest of all time. The Brazilian forward was an unstoppable force, playing a catalytic role in his country and his clubs' phenomenal success. He remains one of the finest strikers ever to have played the game.
Ronaldo helped Brazil win two World Cups and finish runner-up once in the 1998 World Cup. Despite not winning the cup in 1998, the Brazilian legend was arguably the tournament's best player. He also scored 15 goals in three World Cup campaigns. He was the top goal-scorer in World Cups until Miroslav Klose broke his record in 2014.
Ronaldo ended up with 62 goals in 98 matches for Brazil, being one of the highest scorers in his nation's illustrious history. Ronaldo has also enjoyed a decorated club career at Barcelona, Inter Milan, Real Madrid and AC Milan.
For his exploits, Ronaldo won the Ballon d'Or in 1997 when he was just 21-years years old before winning it again in 2002.
