The South American country Brazil has a serious reputation as one of the greatest footballing nations on Earth – not just for their achievements in the game, but also the style and coolness they bring to matches! But what makes Brazil so good at footy? Read on and we’ll separate the facts from the hype and find out more about some of the greatest moments and biggest legends of Brazilian football!

If you want more football facts we’ve got plenty – take a look at these Harry Kane facts, these Raheem Sterling facts, or even see if you can ace this football stadium quiz!

1. Brazil are World Champs!

Brazil has won the FIFA World Cup a record five times (in 1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, and 2002). This is more than any other nation! Unsurprisingly for a country full of footy legends, the Brazilian team has qualified for every single tournament since the start of the competition in 1930.

2. The Canary Squad!

Brazil’s national team is famous for wearing their iconic yellow jersey, which is one the most recognisable international football strips in the world. The yellow colour is said to stand for optimism and positivity, and the spirit of the Brazilian people. It has meant some people call them the “Seleção Canarinha” which means canary squad!

3. Pele – the greatest of all time?

Well known as one of the greatest footballers of all time, Pele is a Brazilian legend who won three World Cups for Brazil (1958, 1962, and 1970). Long after his retirement, Pele is still an influential figure in football. And he has tried to use his fame and status to support different good causes! But wait – as we’ll find out later someone else has scored even more goals for Brazil than him!

4. Samba style

Brazilian football is known for its creativity, which involves skillful dribbling, quick passes, and flashy moves. Many say this comes from the popularity of Samba music in Brazil. Whatever the reason for it, it’s amazing to watch!

5. Ronaldinho!

Ronaldinho is another world famous Brazilian footballer known for his incredible skills and tricks. He’s played for top clubs like Barcelona and AC Milan and won the FIFA World Player of the Year award twice (2004, 2005). Apart from his brilliance on the field, Ronaldinho’s charisma and friendly personality earned him fans from all over – not just in Brazil!

6. The home of the Bicycle kick

The bicycle kick is a spectacular move where a player kicks the ball while flying through the air. It’s said to have been invented in Brazil by Brazilian footballer Leônidas da Silva. Leônidas, also known as the “Black Diamond,” introduced this move to the world during the 1938 World Cup!

7. One of the biggest stadiums is in Brazil!

When it first opened in 1950, the Estádio do Maracanã in Rio de Janeiro was one of the largest football stadiums in the whole world. At the final of the 1950 world cup a record 173,850 people watched the match! Nowadays, they’ve limited the number of people who can go, because of safety concerns. Now only a measly 78,000 seats can fit in there!

8. Brazil vs Argentina

The football rivalry between Brazil and Argentina is one of the most famous in the whole of football. Matches between these two nations are big events and draw massive crowds. Outside of football though, they usually keep it civil though! Which is more than can be said of some football rivalries!

9. Great dribbling!

Brazil has produced lots of legendary dribblers, including Zico, Ronaldo Nazário, and Neymar. These players’ ability to confuse opponents with their fancy footwork will inspire generations of dribblers for years to come!

10. What is futsal?

Futsal is a different kind of indoor football played with a smaller, heavier ball. It’s very popular in Brazil and is how lots of players have honed their skills. Many big Brazilian footballers like Ronaldinho and Neymar started off playing futsal and then moved to “proper” football!

11. Zico’s free kicks

Zico, another oldschool Brazilian football legend, was renowned for his amazing free-kick abilities. His precise passes and powerful strikes earned him the nickname “White Pele” and gained him the reputation as one of the greatest midfielders of all time.

12. Socrates

One of the underrated greats of Brazilian football was Socrates, who played for Corinthians. As well as having a very cool beard and headband look, he was a great guy off the pitch. He worked hard for lots of good causes, and often got involved in politics to try and make things better for ordinary Brazilians.

13. Favela football

Many of Brazil’s football stars, such as Romário and Ronaldo, grew up in favelas (shanty towns). Their successes have inspired young footballers from disadvantaged backgrounds, and encouraged footballers to help change the way that Brazil is run. Think how many football legends would be playing professionally now if they weren’t stuck in poverty!

14. Brazil in the Olympics

Brazil’s national team has a history of success in Olympic football too! They’ve won the Olympic gold medal twice, in 2016 (Rio de Janeiro) and 2004 (Athens). Professional footballers can’t compete in the Olympics, so bagging a gold really shows how passionate the country is about the sport!

15. Marta!

There are a lot of amazing Brazilian record-breakers, but one name that is often forgotten about outside of Brazil is Marta Viera da Silva, a legend in the women’s game. Marta is Brazil’s top goalscorer of all time – having scored more goals for Brazil than any man or woman! A record 115 goals (and counting)! She’s won the FIFA Player of the Year award an unprecedented six times – no other women’s player has won it more than three times! Step aside, Pele!