For years, Brazil has always been one of football’s most important hotbeds. It has produced true superstars such as Pele, Ronaldinho and Neymar – but who are the best Brazilian wonderkids in the world at this moment in time?
For the purposes of this list, we’re only looking at players who are under the age of 21 – any who is over this threshold will not be considered for inclusion.
Rayan
When Rayan made the jump to Bournemouth, a few Vasco da Gama fans were disappointed – they had hoped he would end up at Europe’s top clubs. Nevertheless, this sort of reaction should tell you everything about his potential in the Premier League.
He has generally played as a striker in recent months, but he is expected to function as a winger more often at Dean Court. Premier League strikers need to be very physical – he isn’t quite there yet.
On a technical level, however, he most certainly is ready for elite football. A wonderful goalscorer, he has been compared to Inter Milan icon Adriano.
Gabriel Moscardo
Gabriel Moscardo has already been on a European tour, despite being just 20 years of age. He was signed by PSG in early 2024 – since then, he has enjoyed loan spells at Stade Reims and Braga.
A stouthearted defensive midfielder, Moscardo is not what you would initially imagine when the term ‘Brazilian wonderkid’ springs to mind.
At this stage in his career, he is effectively being used as a ‘human full-time whistle’ – someone who can be brought on to help shore up the defence and see a game out. This sort of thing is often a thankless task, but is nonetheless crucial – as he progresses, he’ll surely be given a greater role.
Pedro
Pedro is the stereotypical Brazilian youngster. He’s a deft, technically astute winger who loves taking players on and making runs into the box – he can score and create goals, too.
Currentrly, Pedro plays for Zenit St. Petersburg, having signed for the Russian outfit in 2024 from Corinthians. Since then, he’s scored eight goals in the Russian first division, notching up five assists along the way.
It remains to be seen if he can make the grade in one of Europe’s top divisions, but at just 19 years of age, his best years are still well ahead of him.
Breno Bidon
Breno Bidon is the only player in this list who is still playing in Brazil. However, with a slew of top clubs lining up to secure his signature, this may not be the case for very long.
While primarily a central midfielder, Bidon can also function as an attacking midfielder and as a holding player – he’s very adaptable for his age.
Recently, the 20-year-old has been linked with a transfer move to Arsenal, but Manchester United are also thought to be waiting in the wings.
Estevao
Estevao isn’t just the best Brazilian youngster in the world at the moment – he is one of the most promising young footballers in the world.
Snapped up by Chelsea in the summer, Estevao has taken to the Premier League like a duck to water. He has made 28 appearances for the Blues this season, scoring six goals and notching up three assists along the way.
An explosive, technically gifted winger, Estevao can unlock even the tightest of defences with his mesmeric ball control.