In the world of soccer, where heroes are born and the beautiful game is celebrated, few names carry as much weight as Brazil.
This soccer-loving nation has produced a remarkable lineage of attacking players who have proudly worn the iconic number 10 jersey, becoming legendary figures in their own right.
From the mesmerizing skills of Ronaldinho to the awe-inspiring presence of Pelé, Brazil has been a fertile ground for some of the greatest talents the world has ever witnessed.
Among the lots of iconic jersey numbers, the No. 10 holds a special significance. This coveted number represents creativity, flair, and leadership on the pitch.
In this article, I will be listing out 10 of the best players to have worn Brazil’s No. 10 jersey, showing their incredible skills and contributions to the beautiful game.
Pelé – 92 caps, 77 goals
Let me say he didn’t just change the game; he elevated it to an ethereal realm.
Pelé’s talent was otherworldly, and his achievements continue to resonate decades after his retirement. It was during the 1958 World Cup in Sweden that Pele announced himself to the world.
At the tender age of 17, he played with fearlessness and maturity beyond his years, leading Brazil to its first-ever World Cup triumph.
His performances were nothing short of extraordinary, leaving defenders in his wake and dazzling spectators with his audacious displays of skill, and he went on to secure two more titles, solidifying his status as one of Soccer’s G.O. A. T.
With 77 goals in 92 international matches, Pelé’s name is forever etched in the fabric of Brazil’s soccer history.
Pele’s humanitarian efforts and commitment to social causes have further endeared him to the world.
He has used his platform to advocate for peace, equality, and the betterment of society, leaving a lasting impact beyond his footballing achievements.
Zico – 71 caps, 41 goals
Zico, the man known as “the white Pele,” possessed a mastery of the game that left defenders gasping for air.
With the freedom to roam the pitch, he conducted a symphony of passes, dribbles, and goals.
Liverpool learned this the hard way in their encounter with Zico’s Flamengo during the 1982 Intercontinental Cup. Graeme Souness and his teammates were left chasing shadows as Zico weaved his magic.
Although he never lifted the World Cup trophy, his contributions to the game are second to none.
Off the pitch, Zico carried himself with grace and humility, earning the respect and admiration of fans and fellow players alike.
He embodied the true spirit of the game, remaining dedicated and passionate throughout his career.
Ronaldinho – 102 caps, 35 goals
Ronaldinho’s style of play was a joy to behold.
He has that honeypot ability to make the impossible seem effortless. His exceptional close control, lightning-quick feet, and impeccable dribbling skills left defenders befuddled and fans on the edge of their seats.
It was as if he had a sixth sense, knowing exactly when and how to twist, turn, and move past opponents with a flick of his cleats.
When he stepped onto the pitch, it was as if the laws of gravity and physics no longer applied.
He defied logic with his audacious tricks and flicks, leaving both opponents and spectators spellbound.
Ronaldinho’s arrival at Barcelona showered in a new era, one filled with “Brazilian magic” and jaw-dropping moments.
Who can forget that infamous free-kick against David Seaman? Ronaldinho’s legacy extends far beyond the trophies he won or the records he broke.
He embodied the spirit of the beautiful game, reminding us all of the childlike wonder and boundless creativity that lies at its core.
His name will forever be etched in the pantheon of soccer legends, and his influence will continue to inspire generations of players to come
Rivaldo – 74 caps, 34 goals
Rivaldo, the enigmatic winger with a flair for the dramatic, sometimes doesn’t get the love he deserves. Sure, there was that theatrical moment (I won’t go into details), but let’s focus on his on-field brilliance.
With his lanky frame and magical left foot, he terrorized defenders and sent thunderbolts into the net.
His incredible performance in the 1999 Copa America, sharing the Golden Boot with Ronaldo, earned him the prestigious Ballon d’Or.
But it was his partnership with Ronaldo and Ronaldinho in the 2002 World Cup that truly left an everlasting impression.
Rivaldo, along with his fellow ‘Rs’, orchestrated a footballing symphony that resonated with fans around the world.
Beyond his achievements on the field, Rivaldo was known for his calm demeanor and quiet confidence.
He carried himself with a sense of elegance and grace, even in the most intense moments of the game. Off the pitch, he remained humble and respected, earning admiration from teammates, coaches, and fans alike.
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Neymar -124 caps, 77 goals
Neymar, the master of the samba on the pitch, has accomplished more than most players could dream of in a blink of an eye.
With his lightning-quick feet and dazzling skills, he leaves defenders stumbling and scratching their heads.
Neymar’s goal-scoring prowess and sheer creativity are nothing short of exceptional.
His ability to move past defenders with effortless dribbling, leaving them in his wake, is a sight to behold.
He has a natural instinct for finding the back of the net, and his goal tally for the Brazilian national team speaks volumes about his impact on the game.
As the torchbearer of the iconic number 10 jersey for Brazil, Neymar follows in the footsteps of legends who have worn it before him.
While he continues to climb up the ranks of Brazil’s all-time top scorers, it’s clear that he has already established himself as one of the greatest to wear the famous yellow and green.
However, Neymar’s ranking takes a small hit because he’s yet to produce that jaw-dropping tournament performance.
While some may argue that Neymar has yet to have a standout tournament performance on the level of his predecessors, it would be remiss to underestimate his impact.
His influence on the game goes beyond individual accolades.
He brings a certain flair and excitement to the pitch that ignites passion in fans and inspires a new generation of players.
Neymar’s journey is far from over. As he continues to mature and evolve as a player, there’s no doubt that he will add more chapters to his already illustrious career.
Come on, Neymar, give us a show.
Marta- 174 caps, 115 goals
She is a force to be reckoned with, an inspiration to aspiring soccer players around the world.
Marta’s skill and talent on the pitch are simply awe-inspiring.
Her speed, agility, and precision make her a formidable opponent. She dances through defenses, leaving defenders in her wake, and her goal-scoring ability is second to none.
With a record-breaking number of goals for the Brazilian women’s national team, she has carved her name in soccer history.
In a world where the spotlight often shines brightest on male footballers, Marta’s brilliance shines through like a beacon of light.
She has proven time and again that talent knows no gender. Marta, with her skill, passion, and indomitable spirit, has rightfully earned her place among the greatest female footballers of all time.
She is a true legend in her own right, deserving of all the accolades and admiration she receives.
Kaká – 92 caps, 29 goals
Kaká was the ultimate midfield maestro, a player who made the game look effortless.
With his smooth moves and impeccable technique, he dominated the field like a boss. His standout performances in 2007 earned him the Ballon d’Or, proving that he was a cut above the rest.
While he may not have tasted World Cup glory during his peak years, Kaká’s style and skill made him Brazil’s last classic trequartista before the game took a different turn.
Off the pitch, Kaká’s humility and professionalism endeared him to fans and fellow players alike.
He carried himself with quiet dignity, remaining true to his values amidst the glitz and glamour of the football world. He was not just a talented footballer but also a role model, embodying the spirit of fair play and sportsmanship.
Kaká, the epitome of the modern attacking midfielder, left an indelible mark on the world of football.
His effortless skill, relentless drive, and genuine humility made him a beloved figure, transcending club loyalties.
His legacy serves as a reminder that true greatness is not just about individual talent, but also about the character and impact a player has on and off the pitch.
Rivellino – 92 caps, 26 goals
When it comes to flamboyance, Rivellino wrote the playbook.
The “flip-flap” move may not have been his invention, but he perfected it like no other. As a key member of Brazil’s legendary 1970 team, he brought the beautiful game to life.
With the number 10 on his back, he transcended mere mortal status and became a soccer deity.
While his time on the international stage was marked by success and adulation, Rivellino’s influence extended to the club level as well.
He enjoyed a successful career with his beloved Corinthians and other clubs, leaving fans in awe of his creativity and ability to change the course of a match with his sublime skill.
To this day, Rivellino remains an icon of Brazilian soccer. His name is synonymous with the spirit of joy, flair, and artistry that defines the country’s footballing heritage.
Jair -39 caps, 22 goals
A name that echoes through the corridors of Brazilian soccer history.
In a time before Brazil’s emergence as a footballing superpower, Jair was a shining star, illuminating the pitch with his skill and charisma.
He played a major role in securing three South American titles for Brazil, with the 1949 championship standing out as a particularly special moment.
That victory, achieved on home soil, ignited the hopes and dreams of a football-mad nation With a record-breaking nine goals in a single tournament, he set the stage on fire.
Jair’s impact was not limited to the domestic stage. He left an indelible mark on the international scene as well.
In the 1950 World Cup, with the weight of a nation’s expectations on his shoulders, he showed his extraordinary talent and goal-scoring prowess.
Despite his brilliance, fate dealt a cruel blow to Jair and the Brazilian team, as they suffered a heartbreaking loss to Uruguay in the infamous Maracanã final.
Juninho Paulista -49 caps, 5 goals

From the sunny streets of São Paulo to the charming fields of Middlesbrough, Juninho Paulista is a riveting player.
Despite his small stature, he packed a punch with his skills and cunning. Like a small magician, he weaved his way through defenses and left jaws dropping.
Brazil’s iconic number 10 jersey found a worthy wearer in Juninho, proving that size doesn’t matter when you’ve got the moves.
Much like his namesake Juninho Pernambucano, he had a magical touch from dead-ball situations. His curling strikes and precision placed the ball in the back of the net, leaving goalkeepers rooted to the spot.
Juninho’s contributions extended beyond his club career, as he proudly represented Brazil on the international stage.
Wearing the iconic number 10 jersey, he shouldered the weight of a nation’s expectations with grace and skill, never failing to deliver when it mattered most.
Juninho Paulista, the diminutive playmaker with a giant heart, will forever be remembered as a true footballing artist.
Wrapping it up
The No. 10 jersey holds a special place in Brazilian soccer history, representing the creative and influential players who have worn it over the years.
Each player on this list has brought their unique style and talent to the No. 10 jersey and their contributions have played a major role in Brazil’s success on the international stage.
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