The Federative Republic of Brazil is probably one of the most famous aficionados of soccer. Because of the reputation some of their famous – or infamous – players have garnered, Brazil is often looked to with a sense of awe just falling short of reverence, but also a mixture of apprehension, often keeping opponents wondering just what they will be doing next.

Some have referred to them as big, bad Brazil, but their place in the world of soccer is forever guaranteed because of the devotion their players, fans, and committed soccer enthusiasts the world over bring to their games.  Here are some highlights that detail Brazil’s role in the world of soccer.

Brazil has played in every soccer World Cup, and their national football team has brought home five World Cup victories. 

Quite possibly the most famous soccer player ever, Edson Arantes do Nascimento – better known as Pelé, or “King of Football,” became the athlete of the century by vote of the International Olympic Committee in 1999. His mere presence on the playing field inspired his team mates but also caused fear and anxiety in the hearts of those who would play against him.

Surprisingly, Brazil is known for its extreme skill in the world of soccer, rather than for flamboyant players or those who amass a large amount of fouls against an opposing team.  For this reason, it is the fear that their skill strikes rather than the worry about unfair play that makes them such a formidable opponent.

Fans in Brazil take the sport seriously – and they do not mince their words about it.  When Brazil was eliminated from the 2006 World Cup, angry and upset fans met the team at the airport in Rio de Janeiro and let them have it – verbally.  While this was not the hero’s welcome the team had hoped for when they set off for the World Cup, it was a much needed slice of humble pie for the team who acted as though they could do no wrong.  While there is no guarantee that they will learn from their 2006 mistakes, it is a fair assumption that they will be back for the next World Cup, and quite possibly come even better prepared!

A perhaps lesser known fact that gets the blood of local clubs boiling is the way that Brazil exports its players.  It is not unheard of for young and promising players to be scouted by foreign teams and many a player has been able to make a lucrative career simply by virtue of being a Brazilian player on a European team.  While there is nothing technically unethical against this procedure, it does beg the question if the players’ reputation is preceding them. In some cases, visa violations have been reported and are actively being investigated.

It is especially noteworthy that Brazil also has a vibrant women’s national soccer team, and it is not at all surprising that this team has won several South-American championships.

A fun fact that not many people realize is the addiction to the game of keepie uppie that soccer players like to play.  The goal is to keep the soccer ball in the air– using nothing but feet, knees, chest, shoulders, and head, but never the hands!  This kind of skill allows a player to hold on to the possession of the ball without letting the other team get it, as was demonstrated in a 1967 England versus Scotland game.  Yet it appears that today’s record holders are none other than Brazilians!  In the men’s division, Eduardo Orige is the current reigning champion with an as of yet undefeated and unprecedented 19 hours and 30 hours.  This record was set in 2003.  On the women’s side, Clàudia Martini did the same in 1996 for seven hours and five minutes, but was later dethroned by fellow-Brazilian Milene Domingues in 1997 who kept the ball in the air for nine hours and six minutes.

As you can see soccer reigns supreme in Brazil, and it is not at all surprising that this country has a stellar reputation when it comes to playing the game. Do yourself a favor and watch a match involving Brazil the next time you have the opportunity to do so - you will quickly realize why for some foreign teams Brazil is indeed akin to the “Big Bad Wolf.”

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