Brazil’s national team has always been a powerhouse in world football. They have had their fair share of legendary players with a touch of class and genius over the years. It is hard not to marvel at the excellent samba-style skills these footballers possess.
Their team at the 1970 World Cup is a testament to the talent born and bred in Brazil. Excitement was at its peak with stars like Pele spreading the yellow gospel of stylish step-overs and dribbling to the rest of the world.
However, not everything has been smooth-sailing. After all, Brazilian footballers are human too. Other footballers have failed to quite live up to the expected pedigree.
Here is a list of the worst 11 Brazilian players to ever grace the football pitch. We list them position-by-position, right from the goalkeeper to the forward.
Goalkeeper: Doni
The Brazilian stopper is not exactly the most reputable keeper to have played for Brazil. With 28 caps, Doni had a rather mediocre career, notably with AS Roma and Liverpool. Although his height made up for his lack of agility, Doni’s inability to stop shots was overall infuriating.
Right Back: Michel Bastos
After making a name for himself in Brazil Serie A, Michel left for Europe like most of his successful countrymen. He first landed at Lille and later moved to other teams including Lyon and Schalke 04.
Unfortunately, his career wasn’t particularly stellar and that saw him fail to establish himself as a first-team player for most of his clubs. He ended up representing Brazil 10 times with his highlight being involvement in the 2010 World Cup. He also scored one goal for his country.
Centre Back: Roque Junior
Roque Junior had his first taste of international football at the 2002 World Cup with Brazil, where he started all four matches for which he was eligible to play. He also featured during the 2003 FIFA Confederations Cup on home soil.
He has 48 caps for Brazil and is remembered as one of the worst players to represent his national team. During the entire World Cup in South Korea-Japan, he was a liability with poor positioning, fouls, misses and bookings, marring an otherwise promising career.
Centre Back: Rafael Scheidt
Rafael Scheidt formed a part of the Brazil team since 2002. He was one of the players included in all their squads for the 2006, 2010 and 2014 FIFA World Cup tournaments. Rafael is also known as one of those footballers who never truly lived up to his potential due to injuries affecting his game.
Left Back. Andre Santos
Santos is widely seen as one of Arsenal’s worst signings ever and among Brazil’s most disappointing players. He played for Brazil between 2009 and 2013, making a debut against Egypt during the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup in South Africa. Other than helping his country win that competition, his international career is considered to be overall a disappointment.
Santos retired from professional football in 2019.
Central Defensive Midfielder: Kleberson Pereira
Kleberson has been a part of the Brazilian squad for several World Cups. During the 2002 FIFA World Cup, he was a prominent member and played for Manchester United in 2003-2005 before joining Flamengo from 2005 to 2007.
Injuries hampered his career despite many seeing him to be an essential member of Brazil’s defense at one time. His terrible display during the 2014 World Cup against Germany was a display of his lack of concentration as he gave away possession several times and got booked.
Central Midfielder: Anderson Luís de Abreu Oliveira
Anderson Luís is considered to be one of the biggest flops in Brazil’s football history. He made his debut for Brazil at the age of 19 during a friendly against Norway but found it harder to break into their squad until his retirement from football.
The biggest highlight from his career was playing for FC Porto, Manchester United and Atlético Mineiro. He has six caps for Brazil, but his only appearance at the 2014 FIFA World Cup was as an unused substitute against Mexico.
Left Winger: Mirandinha
Mirandinha made his international debut for Brazil in 1987 and was part of the 1990 FIFA World Cup squad. He had 52 caps for his country before retiring from football shortly after their 1994 FIFA World Cup victory. His career with Selecao ended on a sour note as he failed to impress during that tournament.
Right Winger: Fumaca
Fumaca is another footballer who failed to make an impact during the 21 caps he won for Brazil. His performance was widely criticised as many thought he gave away possession too many times during matches.
Forward: Fred
Fred is another Brazilian footballer who has failed to live up to the hype surrounding him. He made his debut for Brazil in 2010 and was a part of their squad during the 2014 FIFA World Cup, where he played every minute but could not score any goal or create one either.
Forward: Robson de Souza (Robinho)
Robinho made his debut for Brazil at 18 during the 2003 Confederations Cup after several promising seasons with Santos FC. Since then, his participation waned due to injuries and lack of form on other international tournaments, including World Cups.
He was a part of Brazil’s squad for the 2010 World Cup and has earned 38 caps. His performance during the World Cup was uninspiring at best.
So, there you have it. A list of the worst players who were lucky to play for a team that has limitless talent at its disposal. Did we miss any other? Let us know your thoughts!
