Every edition, Brazil is considered a World Cup favorite, probably because star players are always aplenty, and it’s always difficult to pick the ten best soccer players in Brazil.
Anytime, any day, the Selecao are loaded with soccer stars, and it’s not surprising that some of the biggest soccer stars are Brazilian.
Meanwhile, as they look to win the FIFA World Cup for the first time since 2002, here are the ten best soccer players in Brazil in 2022.
1. Neymar
Position: Forward
Age: 30
There is certainly no Brazilian player bigger than Neymar or more popular than he is at the moment.
The PSG star is still expected to shoulder the responsibility of leading Brazil to its first FIFA World Cup in over 20 years.
Although the 30-year-old is not as young as he used to be, he certainly is not a lesser quality player but rather more experienced about the responsibility on his shoulders.
Neymar played at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, where his absence was greatly felt in that 7-1 loss to Germany, the only game he missed and the game that saw the end of their bid to win the title at home.
He has also played two other World Cups since then, led Brazil to the Copa America final last year, and has been in great form for PSG in league one this season alongside Messi and Mbappe.
2. Thiago Silva
Position: Centre-back
Age: 37
Thiago Silva and Daniel Alves are two players on the side 30 that professional football players do not like, but the two defenders keep showing and proving that age is just a number.
However, for this compilation, we go for Thiago Silva, who is still doing it with Chelsea in the Premier League. His defensive experience and leadership are too much for Brazil to drop on a platter of old age.
Despite being 37-years-old, Thiago Silva has won the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, and the FIFA Club World Cup, all at the Blues.
He is also the only surviving player from the 2014 World Cup in Brazil to still be part of the national team aside from Neymar.
What Does he bring to the national team? Experience, quality defending and strength, leadership, and more.
3. Marquinhos
Position: Defender
Age: 28
If Thiago Silva is important, so also is his defensive partner both at the national team and previously at Paris Saint-Germain PSG in the person of Marquinhos.
At 28, Marquinhos is young and agile to cover for Thiago and is very strong in the air. He has what it takes to be a leader for the country in the future.
4. Casemiro
Position: Defensive midfielder
Age: 30
Casimero has been with the Brazilian national team since 2013, even before becoming the big star he is today.
The Brazilian has consistently been one of the best defensive midfielders in the world for many years.
At 30 years old, the defensive midfielder played for Real Madrid at the highest level in club football, winning the UEFA Champions League 5 times.
He left Spain in the summer for England after winning the La Liga and UEFA Champions League double with Real Madrid and now plays for Manchester United.
He has been able to show his abilities in the way he breaks up opposition play and what he can do attack wise in the team.
5. Lucas Paquetá
Position: Attacking midfielder
Age: 25
This is certainly one name that you probably were not expecting to meet on this list, not because of the lack of quality but the fact that Paquetá is not as prominent as other names here.
Meanwhile, he scored the goal that confirmed Brazil for the World Cup last year against Colombia and is considered as a vital part by the national team coach, especially for his versatility and his ability to play anywhere from the Midfield to the attack.
Lucas Paquetá is an underrated midfielder who currently plays for West Ham United in the Premier League.
He is quick, technically gifted, and a superb dribbler.
He regularly featured for Brazil as they qualified for the World Cup with an unbeaten record in their group.
6. Vinicius Junior
Position: Forward
Age: 22
Vini has matured up to the expected potential in the recent season, even if it’s not maximum yet from the youngster.
However, he’s been churning out performances for both club and country. His biggest impact has been for Real Madrid, though, as he already boasts two La Liga titles and a UEFA Champions League.
Last season he contributed 17 goals and ten assists in La Liga, four goals in the UEFA Champions League, including the winner in the final against Liverpool.
He’s also gotten off the mark this season with three goals in the UEFA Champions League and five goals and three assists in La Liga so far.
Vinicius Junior is one considered to be one of the best wingers in the world today.
7. Alisson Becker
Position: Goalkeeper
Age: 30
There have been a lot of things wrong with Liverpool this season, especially with their start to the season, but Alisson remains one of the few positives.
The goalkeeper remains Brazil’s first choice, although they remain blessed in the department with Manchester City’s Ederson serving as backup.
Apart from being the undisputed number 1 for Brazil, Alison is regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in the world.
He possesses amazing ball distribution and ability in one-on-one situations is phenomenal.
8. Roberto Firmino
Position: Striker
Age: 31
With six goals and three assists, it’s been a start for Firmino going into the World Cup despite fears about his place in the Liverpool squad after Jurgen Klopp’s acquisitions in the summer.
The 31-year-old isn’t the most prolific for the national team as he has only managed 17 goals in 55 matches for the team, but his form just before the world cup is not to be ignored.
Whether Firmino makes the coaches XI or not, there is no doubt that he is among the best soccer players in Brazil.
9. Fabinho
Position: Midfielder
Age: 29.
Fabinho is one of the players in the Brazil national team that can fit into several positions on the pitch.
The 29-year-old can play in the Midfield, central or defensive, even in the center defense and right back.
10. Gabriel Jesus
Position: Forward.
Age: 25
Since leaving Manchester City for Arsenal, Gabriel Jesus has come under scrutiny for his conversion rate, but it still doesn’t keep him out of the conversation for the World Cup.
Since his debut for the national team in 2016, he has played 56 games and scored 19 goals, which on aggregate, is an average of 1 goal every three games.
His form for Arsenal isn’t the best, but with the recent injury issues with Richarlison, Jesus would be in Qatar.
There are still so many amazing soccer players in Brazil, hence some notable Mentions include the likes of Richarlison, Ederson, Éder Militão, Bruno Guimarães, Bremer, Antony, Raphinha, and Rodrygo.
