Brazil’s national football team, commonly referred to as the Selecao or “Canarinho,” is widely respected and highly successful. Their iconic yellow jerseys and thrilling playing style have won fans across the world over decades.
Dorival Junior kicked off his reign as Selecao manager with a 3-3 draw against Spain at Real Madrid. Endrick, who recently made the switch from Palmeiras to Madrid in 2023, scored an exceptional stoppage-time goal that secured victory for Brazil.
Who is Brazil’s all-time top scorer?
With such a rich footballing history in Brazil, it can be challenging to select just one person as its finest ever player. But now Neymar stands tall as all-time top scorer for the men’s national team after surpassing Pele in scoring twice during Selecao’s 5-1 FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier win over Bolivia at Belem Stadium on March 9th 2019. He boasts 79 goals in 125 international appearances since making his mark from Al Hilal.
Neymar scored from close range after Rodrygo’s low shot had been parried, then completed scoring for Brazil against South American outfit Peruvian side Guarapuava in an emphatic display against them. When celebrating his record goal he imitated Pele’s iconic air punch celebration! Other legendary Brazilian national team figures like Zico (48 goals scored for their country), Romario and Bebeto enjoyed glittering club careers that earned them awards such as Ballon d’Or awards.
Scorecard
Brazil has long been known for its success at soccer, establishing it as an integral part of Brazilian culture. Their national team has won five World Cup championships to become a source of national pride; and soccer now unifies Brazilian society through streets and parks across the nation.
Dorival Junior has taken over coaching duties after Fernando Diniz was fired due to several poor results during 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification. Brazil have started off strong, as Rodygo scored twice (24th and 53rd minute) and Neymar scored once more (44th minute penalty kick) against Bolivia on Sept 8 in a 5-1 home win, before being held scoreless against Costa Rica at MetLife Stadium during their Copa America opener despite several controversial refereeing calls that kept Brazil scoreless and frustrated them throughout.
Team Players
Current Brazil team composition may not match their World Cup glory days, yet still boasts some outstanding talents. Neymar serves as captain and is often found starting up front, while Marquinhos and Thiago Silva form an effective pairing on defense. Real Madrid wingers Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo often make appearances for Selecao.
Brazil achieved their second FIFA World Cup championship under Garrincha’s leadership in 1962, becoming victors with Pele as the star player and many of Brazil’s other greats playing, such as their legendary striker Dunga in his final World Cup match.
Brazil have struggled in recent years to keep their top spot in FIFA rankings, dropping outside of the top ten for the first time since 1993 despite remaining one of the most powerful sides in international soccer.
Best Moments
As its greatest players were sold off to Europe and North America, Brazil began losing ground to rival teams. Losing Garrincha and Pele to New York Cosmos and Bayern Munich respectively was particularly damaging; ever since this development has left Brazil’s national side struggling to meet its predecessor from 1970.
Preguinho and Carvalho Leite gave Brazil an early two-goal advantage at the 1970 World Cup against England. But Americans rallied quickly to tie it, thanks to Christian Pulisic’s free kick which beat Allison at his left post – his inaugural international goal and setting up 17-year-old Palmeiras sensation Henrique Endrick for what proved to be a decisive strike six minutes into stoppage time.
Highlights
At the 1958 World Cup, Brazil was drawn into a group with Austria, England and the Soviet Union. Winning their opening two matches before making three crucial substitutions–Zito, Garrincha and Pele–that ignited their team, eventually propelling Brazil ahead 2-0 after only three minutes–later described by some as being among the “greatest in football’s history”.
Brazil had an uneven start to their tournament campaign but quickly turned it around with wins over Colombia and Ecuador. They then faced USA in their next match-up; during this match-up the Americans managed to create numerous scoring chances through Swanson that Lorena quickly disregarded.
Final Words
Brazilian national football team will play two friendly matches against non-international opponents this week prior to beginning its Copa America campaign, as is customary among teams before participating in major tournaments. This will provide them with an ideal opportunity to warm up before embarking on such endeavors.
The team should make substantial strides forward from its underwhelming World Cup performance that saw them place fourth, particularly since they will have had nearly two full weeks off before returning for action in the Copa America.
Former Brazilian player Ronaldinho has harshly criticized the current squad, accusing them of lacking joy, grit and dedication. At the same time, however, he believes Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior deserves special recognition.
The 44-year-old, who won both the 2002 World Cup and 1999 Copa America with Brazil, has made clear his intentions not to watch any of their matches during this year’s competition. According to him, their team lacks sufficient joy and dedication needed to compete successfully at such tournaments.
