WHAT BRAZIL MEANS TO FOOTBALL

Brazil is the most decorated national football team in the history of the World Cup, with five championships: 1958, 1962, 1970, 1994 and 2002. It looks like Brazil put the ‘B’

in the beautiful game. The ‘Samba boys’ play very skilful, creative, free-flowing, fastpaced brand of football. Because Brazilians are often not as big and physically strong as Europeans, technical ability is their key to the world.

From Pele to Neymar, the country has produced more than 50 years’ worth of great players. Brazil’s unique style of play was epitomised by some of the greats that wore the yellow jersey.

Pelé, arguably the greatest footballer ever, led Brazil to three of those world championships. His control of the football has been the stuff of folklore, and is largely credited with putting Brazil on top of world football.

Over 10,000 Brazilians play professionally all over the world. A report earlier this year stated that Brazil is the biggest exporter of football talent. Of the 12,309 international transfers registered worldwide last year, 13 per cent, or 1,558, involved Brazilian players.

Brazil’s colourful and passionate fans often get the football party started.

Though football continues be the biggest sport with possibly the most partisan sports crowds in the world, Brazil is one team that holds a universal charm. They have the most number of neutral fans.