Brazil has produced some of the most incredibly talented footballers to ever grace the game with the likes of Pele, Romario, Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, Kaka and a host of other awe-inspiring stars, hailing from the South American nation.
In the modern game, Brazilian players continue to provide premium entertainment for football fans all over the world and the year 2024 was a great one for a number of them at club level, despite their largely disappointing outing with the national team.
In this article, Soccernet.football brings you its ten best Brazilian stars of 2024, along with their contributions for both club and country.
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10. Gabriel Magalhaes ( Arsenal )
The towering center-back has been a crucial part of Arsenal’s defensive setup, playing a significant role in their push for the Premier League crown in the last couple of years. Gabriel’s aerial dominance made him a potent threat from set-pieces and ability to build play from the back has been pivotal for the Gunners. On the international scene, Gabriel has established himself at the heart of Brazil’s defense, helping the team secure vital wins in their World Cup qualifying campaign.
9. Matheus Cunha ( Wolverhampton Wanderers )
Cunha has been Wolves’ spark in the Premier League, combining flair with efficiency in front of goal. His versatility allows him to play as a forward or an attacking midfielder, linking play and contributing with crucial goals and assists. The 25-year-old is enjoying scintillating form this season, having registered 14 goal contributions (10G, 4A) already in 19 appearances. Cunha did not feature for the Brazilian national team in 2024 but will certainly have played himself into the radar of Brazil manager Dorival Junior.
8. Bruno Guimaraes ( Newcastle United )
Guimaraes has been instrumental in Newcastle United’s growing reputation as one of the Premier League teams to beat. His creativity and defensive work rate came in handy for the Magpies throughout 2024 and the 27-year-old is currently at the center of everything good for Eddie Howe’s side this season. Although Brazil were largely disappointing in 2024, Guimaraes’ ability to control the midfield helped them dominate possession and dictate the tempo during some matches.
7. Douglas Luiz ( Juventus )
Luiz enjoyed an impressive 2023/2024 campaign with Aston Villa, registering 10 goals and 5 assists and expertly marshalling the middle of the park for the Premier League side before completing a move to Serie A giants Juventus during the summer transfer window. The 26-year-old has yet to have a similar impact at the Allianz Stadium, mainly as a result of injury setbacks. Meanwhile, he remains one of Brazil’s most reliable midfield generals as evidenced in the number of appearances he made for the Selecao in 2024.
6. Ederson ( Atalanta )
One of the stars of Atalanta’s Europa League triumph last season, Ederson was a revelation for the Nerazzurri in 2024. The midfielder’s relentless energy and eye for goal have made him a fan favorite in Bergamo. Based on his performances, the 25-year-old doesn’t seem far from becoming a regular feature in Brazil’s national team, where he can complement the creative talents in midfield with his disciplined approach and defensive contributions.
5. Ederson Moraes ( Manchester City )
The Manchester City goalkeeper continues to redefine modern goalkeeping with his unmatched distribution skills. Ederson played a vital role as the Cityzens went on to win a fourth consecutive Premier League crown. He also made six appearances for Brazil in 2024, ably deputizing for compatriot and first-choice goalkeeper Allison Becker who was out injured for most of the season.
4. Marquinhos ( Paris Saint-Germain )
PSG’s skipper remains one of the most reliable defenders in world football. His ability to read the game, deliver clutch performances, and lead by example was crucial to Les Parisiens’ domestic triumph and UEFA Champions League semi-final run. On the international scene, Marquinhos continues to marshal Brazil’s backline with poise, ensuring organization and solidity.
3. Raphinha ( Barcelona )
Raphinha has grown into one of Barcelona’s most exciting attackers, providing goals, assists, and electrifying moments down the right wing. His pace, trickery and eye for goal were instrumental in Barcelona’s great start to life under German head coach Hansi Flick in 2024. With Brazil, Raphinha has been a key figure, delivering vital performances in their quest for World Cup qualification.
2. Rodrygo ( Real Madrid )
The Real Madrid winger was certainly one of the best wingers in Europe in 2024, notching 17 goals across all competitions as Los Blancos went on to claim the La Liga and Champions League titles last season. Rodrygo carried his impressive form into the 2024/2025 season, with the 23-year-old already having 8 goal involvements despite seeing his season interrupted by injury. He was also just as important for Brazil’s national team.
1. Vinicius Jr. ( Real Madrid )
Vini makes our list in first place courtesy of an absolutely fantastic year of football by the Madrid winger. His controversial Ballon d’Or snub remains a hot topic of debate among many fans of the game but his class throughout the year is one area where all can find common ground. The 24-year-old inspired Madrid to a La Liga and Champions League double, scoring 24 goals across all competitions. He has already racked up 8 goals and 5 assists so far this term and while he mostly struggled with the national team, he remains Brazil’s creme de la creme.
