Brazil's top five goalscorers of all time

Brazilian football has produced one of the finest batches of footballers over multiple generations. The football has seen some of the flair and flamboyant players hailing from Brazil throughout its illustrious history. From the magical era of Pele to the modern-day brilliance of Neymar, the attacking legacy spans over multiple generations with each player adding their unique chapter to the footballing folklore. 

The Selecao Brasileira has produced the most prolific goalscorers who are not only known for their marksmanship but also for showboating and humiliating the opposition without pressure piling on them. Here are Brazil's top five goalscorers of all time who have gone on to represent the national side with immense pride and bring honor to the country. 

1) Neymar - 79 goals in 128 caps

When Neymar burst onto the international scene in 2010 as a teenager, nobody expected him to break the record of the football great Pele. From the streets of Mogi das Cruzes, Neymar went on to develop close control and trickery that became his trademark. His first goal came against the USA via a header, which went on to show his versatility. 

From carrying his side in the FIFA World Cup 2014 until his vertebral fracture ending his tournament to help his side win the medal in the Rio Olympics, Neymar has done it all. His record-breaking goal came against Peru in October 2023 amidst the injuries. From free-kicks to top corners and composed finishes, Neymar has left the defenders in awe and shock. 

2. Pelé - 77 goals in 92 caps

Football and Pele always have sounded similar in the history of football. Making his debut at the age of 16, Pele scored his first-ever international goal against his fellow rivals Argentina. His impact was immediate and profound in the 1958 World Cup where the teenager went on to score a hat-trick against France and help his side win the World Cup final against Sweden.

His most celebrated goal was against Italy in the 1970 World Cup where he scored from the cross in the 4-1 victory of Brazil. He cemented his legacy as “O Rei” as he won his third trophy, the only player to achieve this. What made the player remarkable was his completeness. May it be powerful headers or shot from distance or the chips, his finishes defied the logic.  

3) Ronaldo - 62 goals in 98 caps

Famously known as “O Fenomeno”, Ronaldo Nazario emerged as the attacking spearhead in the mid-1990s. A physical marvel with blistering pace and balletic control, he showcased his skills in the 1998 World Cup where he was at his finest. He was at his devastating best even when the player suffered the convulsive fit hours earlier.

Ronaldo’s redemption came in 2002 after the player had battled career-threatening knee injuries. He scored eight goals, including both in a 2-0 victory against Germany in the finals. With distinctive haircuts, he added the hairstyle to the iconic football looks.

4) Romário - 55 goals in 70 caps

“O Baixinho” may have stood just 5’6” tall, but his presence in the penalty box was gigantic. Romario’s international career peaked in the 1994 World Cup where his five goals guided the Brazilian team to their fourth title after a 24-year old title drought. His partnership with Bebeto produced the best moments in the history of football with both celebrating the goal against the Netherlands. 

His most crucial goal came against Uruguay in the 1993 World Cup qualifiers. With Brazil staring at an early exit, Romario scored twice in the Maracana to secure qualification bringing the best statement by the coach Parreira - "If there is a God of football, his name is Romário."

5) Zico - 48 goals in 71 caps

Known as the "White Pelé," Zico embodied the spiritual essence of Brazilian football during the 1970s and 1980s. Though Brazil failed to win a World Cup during his era, his technical brilliance and set-piece mastery made him the team's heartbeat. His international career might have yielded more goals had injuries not intervened.

Zico's performance in the 1982 World Cup, widely considered one of the greatest teams not to win the tournament, showcased his genius. His goal against Scotland – controlling a pass with his chest before volleying into the top corner – remains one of the competition's finest. Despite Brazil's heartbreaking exit to Italy, Zico's four goals in the tournament reinforced his status as a true artist of the game.