Best of Brazil

Few nations have contributed more flair and finesse to the Premier League than Brazil. Over the decades, some faltered, but others delivered moments of magic that fans will never forget. This ranking highlights the 25 standout Brazilian players whose performances, leadership and success helped shape the story of the Premier League.

25. Fred

Fred arrived at Old Trafford from Shakhtar Donetsk with a big price tag. His United career was defined by periods of inconsistency but also spells of tireless energy and improvement under multiple managers. Though not a standout in terms of flair, he became a trusted figure in midfield and made 213 appearances (per Transfermarkt) before moving on.

23. Fábio Aurélio

Aurélio joined Liverpool from Valencia in 2006 and quickly showed his class. Playing at left-back during a period of relative stability for the club under Rafael Benítez, he helped Liverpool to regular top-four finishes. Injuries curtailed his momentum, but when fit, he offered excellent delivery and danger from set pieces.

22. Richarlison

Richarlison was a standout star following his move to struggling Watford in 2017. His energy and goal threat earned him a move to Everton, where, despite the team’s inconsistency, he scored 13 league goals in back-to-back seasons, according to Transfermarkt. A big move to Tottenham followed, but has so far yielded mixed results.

21. Casemiro

Arriving from Real Madrid with five Champions League winner's medals, Casemiro brought instant leadership and steel to United’s midfield. He helped win the 2023 League Cup and played a key role in stabilising the team. Though his form dipped in his second season, he came back stronger following Ruben Amorim's appointment.

20. Douglas Luiz

Signed from Manchester City, where he hadn't yet made a senior appearance, Douglas Luiz grew into a central figure at Villa Park during the resurgence led by Unai Emery. Technically assured and tactically sharp, he helped drive Villa to the Champions League before a big-money move to Juventus.

19. Gabriel Martinelli

Martinelli joined Arsenal with little fanfare from the Brazilian lower leagues but quickly became a fan favourite at the Emirates, breaking through to the first team at the age of 16. Still in his early 20s, his pace, directness and sharp finishing have played a major role in Arsenal’s recent title challenges.

18. Rafael da Silva

Signed alongside his twin Fábio, Rafael broke through as an energetic right-back under Sir Alex Ferguson. By the time he left in 2015, he had made 170 appearances for the club, per Transfermarkt, winning three Premier League titles and playing in a Champions League final.

17. Oscar

In a highly competitive Chelsea midfield, Oscar blended work rate with creativity as a regular starter under multiple managers from 2012 to 2017. He won two Premier League titles at Stamford Bridge, and though he left for China at 25, he managed just over 200 appearances for the club, according to Transfermarkt.

15. Lucas Leiva

Lucas arrived from Grêmio in 2007 as one of South America's most exciting young creative midfielders, but was gradually molded by Rafael Benítez into a defensive anchor. Despite early struggles, he spent over a decade at Anfield under five managers, becoming a cult hero and fan favourite.

14. Bruno Guimarães

Signed from Lyon, Bruno totally transformed Newcastle’s midfield unit. He quickly became their heartbeat, driving them to Carabao Cup victory in 2025 and a Champions League return (twice). Creative, combative and calm under pressure, Bruno is central to Newcastle’s ongoing resurgence.

13. Gabriel Magalhães

Gabriel quickly became a mainstay in Arsenal’s defence after he signed from Lille in 2020. Dominant in the air and confident on the ball, he has formed a solid centre-back partnership with William Saliba. His consistency has been vital to Arsenal’s recent title challenges under Mikel Arteta, bringing much-needed physicality.

12. Ramires

Ramires added drive and versatility to a dominant Chelsea side, combining pace, work rate and an eye for key goals. He played a vital role during the 2011-12 season, scoring an iconic chip against Barcelona to send the Blues to the Champions League final (which they won), while also netting in their FA Cup final win over Liverpool.

11. Juninho

Juninho brought characteristic Brazilian flair to Teesside in the mid-90s and became a cult hero at Middlesbrough. Despite relegation in his first spell, he returned twice and helped win the 2004 League Cup. His close control, vision and the pure joy he brought to the pitch left a lasting impression, giving Boro fans multiple unforgettable memories.

10. Willian

Chelsea beat Liverpool to the signing of Willian when he joined from Anzhi Makhachkala in 2013 and the move quickly paid dividends: he became a fixture on the wing under multiple managers, winning two Premier League titles, an FA Cup and a Europa League. Later spells at Arsenal and Fulham had a varied impact, but his Chelsea legacy remains one of reliability and professionalism, spanning 339 appearances (according to Transfermarkt).

9. Ederson

After signing from Benfica in 2017, Ederson revolutionised the goalkeeper role with his distribution and calmness under pressure. He became Pep Guardiola’s ideal number one, winning six Premier League titles and a Champions League. His long-range passing and composure helped City build from the back, setting new standards for modern goalkeeping in England.

8. David Luiz

Across two spells with Chelsea (2011 to 2014 and 2016 to 2019), David Luiz completed practically the whole set: Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup and two Europa League titles. Known for long-range passing and occasional chaos at the back, he divided opinion but delivered big performances. At Arsenal, he added experience during a period of rebuilding.

6. Thiago Silva

Thiago Silva only arrived in England at 36 and instantly brought class, leadership and stability to Chelsea’s back line. He was central to their 2021 Champions League triumph and remained a key figure as he approached his fifth decade. Calm under pressure and tactically astute, he defied age with professionalism and experience that elevated the entire squad.

5. Philippe Coutinho

Signed by Brendan Rodgers in 2012, Philippe Coutinho quickly became a favourite at Anfield, dazzling with his creativity and stunning long-range goals. Just as he was hitting his peak under Jürgen Klopp and emerging as Liverpool’s key player, he made a high-profile move to Barcelona. Since then, his career hasn’t quite gone as expected. It’s hard not to wonder what he might have achieved had he stayed longer alongside Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mané and Roberto Firmino.

4. Gilberto Silva

Gilberto arrived at Highbury in 2002 as a World Cup winner and became the quiet enforcer in Arsenal’s Invincibles midfield, offering balance, intelligence and discipline during a golden era. Rarely flashy, he allowed others to shine while doing the dirty work. Gilberto was the kind of player teams only fully appreciate once they’re gone.

3. Alisson

Signed to replace the hapless Loris Karius, Alisson gave Liverpool the elite goalkeeper they had long lacked. His signing proved vital to their Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup and Club World Cup wins. His saves, especially in one-on-ones, calm distribution and leadership from the back turned countless tight games their way. Alisson is truly the benchmark for modern goalkeepers.

2. Fernandinho

Fernandinho (right) was the heartbeat of Manchester City’s midfield for nearly a decade from 2013 to 2022. A tactical leader and brilliant reader of the game, he won five league titles and set the tone under Pep Guardiola with an impeccable ability to break up play and dictate tempo. Luckily, a certain Rodri came along to fill the void of one of City’s most influential players in the modern era.