Top 10 goalscorers for the Brazil national football team

Some of the biggest legends of the game have played for the Selecao.

Brazil is a hotbed of exceptional football players. The country has produced some of the best footballers over multiple decades. In the past, legendary players like Ronaldo and Ronaldinho among several others have graced the sport with their talent. Even today, players like Neymar, Gabriel Jesus and many others continue to represent the Brazil national team in all major international tournaments. 

When it comes to attacking talent, Brazil is up there with the best, producing top-class forwards. Furthermore, these players go on to represent the country with pride in major tournaments like Copa America and the FIFA World Cup. 

Looking at the past, many world-class strikers have scored a record number of goals for the national team. On that note, let’s take a look at the top 10 goalscorers for the Brazil national football team.

Tostao – 32 goals

Tostao was one of the most lethal strikers of his generation. In his international career, he scored 32 goals for the Brazil national team in 55 appearances. The forward won the 1970 FIFA World Cup with the national team and also lifted the Brasileiro with Cruzeiro in 1966. 

Ronaldinho – 33 goals

During his playing days, Ronaldinho was regarded as one of the best footballers in the world. He won hearts all over the world with his skills and talent. On his day, the attacker was unplayable. When it comes to the national team, Ronaldinho scored 33 goals in 97 appearances. He was also part of the squad that won the 2002 FIFA World Cup.

Jairzinho – 35 goals

Jairzinho played 81 times for the Brazil national team and found the back of the net on 35 occasions. He retired in 1982 and played extensively for Botafogo during his playing days. A winger by trade, Jairzinho won the 1970 FIFA World Cup with Brazil where he scored in every fixture, finishing the tournament with nine goals. 

Rivaldo – 35 goals

Rivaldo was a midfielder and yet racked up 35 goals for the Brazil national team. Regarded as one of the most complete footballers, he was essential in the Selecao’s winning of the 2002 FIFA World Cup where he bagged five goals. The 1999 Ballon d’Or winner played 76 times for the national team. 

Bebeto – 40 goals

Bebeto is another forward in a long list of sensational players that Brazil produced. He scored 40 goals for the national team in 76 appearances. He won the 1994 FIFA World Cup, scoring three goals. The 58-year-old also won the Spanish Cup with Deportivo La Coruna and Copa America with Brazil in 1989. 

Zico – 48 goals

Many regard Zico as the best player from Brazil to play the game. He is a very respected figure in the world of football even today. He was sensational for the national team and scored 48 times in 71 matches. Zico currently works as an advisor for the Japanese club Kashima Antlers. 

Romario – 55 goals

Only four players in Brazil’s history have scored over 50 goals. Romario is one of them, scoring 55 times in 71 fixtures for the national team. He won the Copa America with Brazil twice and also lifted the 1994 FIFA World Cup. The striker scored seven goals in Copa America and five goals at the World Cup. Notably, he won the Golden Ball at the 1994 FIFA event.

Ronaldo – 62 goals

Ronaldo was unstoppable and sent chills down the spine of the defenders back in his playing days. The ‘Il Fenomeno’ is a two-time FIFA World Cup winner with Brazil, winning it in 1998 and 2002. The forward managed 62 goals for the national team. Notably, he scored four goals in the 1998 edition and eight in the 2002 event. Ronaldo is also a two-time Balon d’Or winner.  

Pele – 77 goals

Pele is a legend of the game and is hailed as one of the best players ever. The striker scored 77 goals for the Brazil national team, becoming its all-time leading goalscorer. It took him only 92 games to reach this mark at an average of 0.84 goals per match. Pele won the World Cup with Brazil in 1958, 1962 and 1970. Notably, he still remains the youngest footballer to lift a World Cup. The Brazilian government declared Pele as a ‘National Treasure’ after the Selecao won the Jules Rimet Trophy for the first time.

Neymar – 79 goals

Neymar has a terrific goalscoring record for the Brazil national football team. The 30-year-old has scored 79 goals in 128 matches and will most likely become the leading goalscorer for the national team in future. He has an Olympic gold in his closet and has also lifted the Confederations Cup with Brazil. He has won multiple trophies at the club level with Paris Saint-Germain, FC Barcelona and Santos.  

Neymar finally broke Pele’s long-time-standing record to become Brazil’s all-time top scorer. The forward now plays for Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal.

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