Brazil is a leading soccer power in the sporting world. The slums or “favelas” are a goldmine for talented youngsters. The country has produced many players regarded as among the best footballers ever. These include;

Pele: Regarded as the most complete player ever, Edson Arantes do Nascimento; nicknamed “Pele” was a midfield maestro with a great attacking flair and a knack for scoring goals. At present he is a FIFA spokesperson and a source of motivation for aspiring players around the world.

Other famous soccer players from Brazil include; Romario, Carlos Alberto, Rivelino Rivaldo, Ronaldo, Ronaldinho and most recently Kaka. Some of these players can be considered super-stars, achieving celebrity status internationally and signing sports contracts, as well as advertisement and endorsement contracts, in the value of millions of dollars.

Locally there are statewide leagues and a nationwide competition. These local games are a very entertaining spectacle, where you can experience a lively stadium atmosphere and exciting games played at an amazing pace.The governing body of football in Brazil is the Brazilian Football Confederation.

The Brazilian World Cup success:

Brazil is the only country to have won the World Cup five times. The Country’s national team won the cup in 1958, 1962 and 1970. Brazil has the unique distinction of being the only country to have participated in every world cup. The country then won the 1994 world cup in the United States and recently the 2002 world cup in Japan and South Korea beating Germany by a solitary goal.

At the 2006 FIFA World Cup, Brazil participated for the 18th time in the event. The country remained as the only national team to have participated in every installment of the FIFA World Cup.

The Brazilian team played until the Quarterfinals, where it was defeated by France, finishing the tournament in the fifth place — for the third time in history (1954 and 1986 were the previous instances)