#1 Brazil
When you talk about international soccer, Brazil comes straight to your mind. The South American giants have been the undisputed kings of world football, clinching the coveted World Cup trophy a record five times. Football seems to run in the blood of the soccer-crazy nation and Brazilians play the Beautiful game with a certain flair and panache.
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The ‘Samba Boys’ are technically gifted with amazing dribbling skills and ball control. One of the biggest factors for Brazil's stupendous footballing success has been a line of world-class strikers who have consistently scored goals at major tournaments.
Brazil produced arguably the greatest footballer in Pele. The ‘Black Diamond’ was a wizard with his dazzling skills and produced some moments of magic in the 1958, 1962 and 1970 World Cups. Pele played in the golden generation when Brazil had a world-beating team with stars like Tostao, Vava and Garrincha.
The 1982 Brazilian team of Zico, Socrates and Eder are hailed as the best team to have not won the World Cup. In the 90s, the attacking duo of Romario and Bebeto formed Brazil’s deadly strike force. In the mid and late 90s, they had a prolific goal poacher in Ronaldo. Ronaldo formed a lethal trio with fellow striker Rivaldo and attacking midfielder Ronaldinho. They also had Kaka who could score some blinders from midfield.
The likes of Robinho, Adriano and Luís Fabiano carried on the legacy to the next generation. In recent years, Neymar Jr has been one of the best strikers in the world. Neymar has found the net consistently and been part of Brazil’s success. Meanwhile, Fred and Hulk have also been among the goals for Brazil.
Leading goal-scorers for Brazil
Pele 77
Ronaldo 62
Neymar 58
Romario 55
Zico 48
Bebeto 39
Rivaldo 35
Jairzinho 33
Ronaldinho 33
Ademir 32
Tostao 32
Zizinho 30
Robinho 29
Careca 29
Luis Fabiano 25
Adriano 25
Rivellino 25
