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When one thinks of Brazil and their style of football, things like flair, flamboyance and creativity come to mind. Brazilians have always been known to play the game with a smile on their faces and a clear mind.
Classic examples of that are Ronaldinho, Ronaldo Nazario, Rivaldo and Kaka, to name a few. These legends are now long retired, but there have been several worthy flag-bearers who have taken their places.
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Over the years, this footballing juggernaut has dominated world football. Brazil have a record five FIFA World Cups, nine Copa Americas and four FIFA Confederations Cups. Every year, new Brazilian talent emerge on the scene. In recent years, young Brazilians have dazzled for both club and country.
This week, Brazil became the first South American nation to qualify for next year's FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Many world-class talents played their part in the Seleccao's successful qualification campaign. They helped Brazil cement their place at the top of the qualification table.
On that note, here's a look at five such players who have been on top form for Brazil or for their respective club sides:
#5 Neymar Jr. - Paris Saint-Germain
Neymar Jr. is one of the most divisive players. He possess limitless creativity and talent, but is disliked by many for his ways off the pitch.
Nevertheless, the PSG attacker has amassed a whopping 265 goals and 166 assists in 447 career appearances. As he is only 29, he could break a few records soon. He currently sits in second place in Brazil's all-time scoring charts. With 70 goals, he is only seven behind the legendary Pele.
Neymar's impact and importance to Brazil's national team cannot be overstated. He recorded seven goals and eight asists in his team's successful FIFA World Cup 2022 qualifying campaign.
The player has had a slow start to his 2021-22 Ligue 1 season, but has begun combining well with Kylian Mbappe in recent weeks. That has helped him score three goals and assist a further three in 11 games for PSG this season.
Besides his ability to score and assist, Neymar is a key asset to any team because of his ability to get into the opposition's head. His tricks and flicks usually draw numerous unsavory and rash tackles that, at times, result in sending-offs for rival players.
Fans will hope Neymar can live up to expectations placed on his shoulders when he first moved from Santos to Barcelona. Brazilians, especially, will hope their star man can win them more international honors.
#4 Raphinha - Leeds United
Raphinha has been a shining light for Marcelo Bielsa's Leeds United this season. The Brazil winger has helped the side win crucial points in striker Patrick Bamford's absence.
Leeds are a side that loves using the entirety of the pitch through creative passing and relentless pressing. Raphinha's role is to add spark and apply the finishing touches in the final third. He is a machine when it comes to creating chances. He has had 57 shots and chances created this season. That is bettered by only two other players.
Performing in the Premier League is no mean feat in itself. But competing with the likes of Mohamed Salah and Bruno Fernandes speaks volumes about Raphinha's abilities. He has scored five goals in ten appearances for Leeds in the league this season, netting a goal in every second game.
Should Leeds wish to remain in the league for a while, they must keep hold of their talisman on the wings. Raphinha could turn out to be one of the finest wingers in the Premier League in the years to come.
#3 Antony - Ajax
Antony is a Brazilian player whose touch and close control looks to be straight out of the 'Neymar playbook'.
He is the dynamic focal point of Ajax's attacking threat in wide areas. He was instrumental in his side's back-to-back wins against Borussia Dortmund in the UEFA Champions League this season. The fact they won was not too surprising, but the way they did it was a testament to the sheer class their frontline possesses.
Antony, the man who makes things tick for Ajax, was in the thick of it all. He has already tallied five assists in the Champions League this season; only Bruno Fernandes has registered more.
The winger is only 21, and has an entire career ahead of him to scale more heights. Antony has scored four, and assisted five goals in 13 games across competitions for Ajax this season.
If he continues to perform on the biggest stage, Antony could help Ajax return to the top of European football. With age, quality and talented teammates by his side, it remains to be seen what the Brazilian player does in his career.
#2 Gabriel Magalhaes - Arsenal FC
Gabriel has been the cornerstone of Arsenal's back four, and consequently, their turnaround this season.
Arsenal have won eight out of the nine games in which Gabriel has featured this season. The only game they didn't win was a 2-2 draw against a revitalised Crystal Palace side.
There is also another interesting point to note. Gabriel and the Gunners have been unbeaten for close to 230 days if only the games he has featured in are counted. His exploits helped him earn him his first national call-up this week.
He's only 23, a tender age for a centre-back. So one can expect him to remain an integral part of Arsenal as they attempt to return to the top of English football. Given that he has already begun staking a claim for a place in Brazil's starting XI, it would be no surprise to see him excel at the top for years to come.
#1 Vinicius Jr. - Real Madrid
Vinicius Jr. arrived in Madrid, and was expected to make the same impact his compatriot had at Barcelona a few seasons prior. Although it took Vinicius some time, it is safe to say he has found his feet with Los Blancos. That is significant in the wake of Cristiano Ronaldo's departure for Turin in 2018.
Vinicius is a winger with raw pace, strength and close control to get past his man. He has a thunderous shot and a unique eye for the game. At just 21, he has already made 188 appearances, scoring 37 goals and assisting 35, in his career.
The Brazilian has been beyond incredible this season for Real Madrid. The winger has scored a scorching nine goals and provided seven assists in just 16 appearances across competitions.
Should he take this form into 2022, he could help Brazil lift another international trophy. Vinicius could also help Real Madrid establish themselves as the top team in Spanish football.
