5 best Brazilian right winger of all time: No.1 could outshine Messi

The world of football has always been mesmerized by the "inverted" magicians, those who occupy the right corridor but possess a wand of a left foot. These players bring unique colors to the pitch, creating unpredictable angles and breathtaking curves. 

It is often said, without exaggeration, that many of the greatest icons in history were left-footed. One cannot discuss this without mentioning the GOAT, Lionel Messi, who possesses a unique left foot that has defined an era for Argentina. However, just across the border in Brazil, even Messi’s magic might face fierce competition. 

In the storied history of the Selecao, left-footed wizards have appeared across generations, creating a "war of magic" on the right wing. This article by Goaloomobi will identify the 5 best Brazilian right winger candidates who have written glorious chapters in football history.

Ranking the best Brazilian right winger in history

5. Julinho Botelho 

Julinho is a name that represents the golden era of the 1950s. Known for his explosive speed and a shot so powerful it terrified goalkeepers, Julinho was a traditional winger who could also operate as a sophisticated playmaker. He earned 24 caps for the Brazilian national team, scoring 7 goals. His most prominent period was between 1953 and 1959, representing Brazil at the 1954 World Cup. Although Brazil didn't win that year, Julinho’s individual performance was so stellar that he was later voted Fiorentina's greatest-ever player in 1996. 

At the club level, he played for Portuguesa (1951-1955), Fiorentina (1955-1958), and Palmeiras (1958-1967). He made 549 professional appearances and netted 204 goals. He won the Serie A title with Fiorentina in 1956 and several state championships with Palmeiras. Julinho retired in 1967 at the age of 38 while playing for Palmeiras.

4. Jairzinho 

Known as the "Hurricane of the World Cup," Jairzinho was the successor to Garrincha but carved out his own legendary path. He earned 81 caps for Brazil, scoring 33 goals between 1964 and 1982. His greatest achievement was the 1970 World Cup, where he set a unique record by scoring in every single match of the tournament, leading Brazil to their third title. 

Jairzinho was praised for his immense physical strength and the ability to unbalance any defense with sheer velocity. His club career was most notable at Botafogo (1959-1974), where he played 413 games and scored 186 goals. He also had stints at Marseille and Cruzeiro, winning the Copa Libertadores with the latter in 1976. After retiring in 1982 at age 37 with Botafogo, he moved into coaching and scouting, famously discovering a young Ronaldo Nazario.

3. Rivaldo 

Rivaldo was the epitome of the "left-footed wizard" playing on the right or drifting centrally. During his peak from 1993 to 2003, he earned 74 caps and scored 35 goals for the Selecao. He played a pivotal role in the 2002 World Cup victory, forming the "Three R's" partnership with Ronaldo and Ronaldinho. Rivaldo’s career is decorated with a Ballon d'Or and FIFA World Player of the Year award in 1999. 

At the club level, he was a superstar for Barcelona (1997-2002), scoring 130 goals in 235 matches and winning two La Liga titles. He later won the Champions League with AC Milan in 2003. One of his most iconic moments was his hat-trick against Valencia in 2001, featuring a last-minute bicycle kick. Rivaldo had incredible longevity, playing until the age of 43 before retiring in 2015 at Mogi Mirim.

2. Neymar Jr

While often associated with the left, Neymar’s versatility and role as a creative engine make him a modern great of the flank. He is Brazil's all-time leading scorer with 79 goals in 128 appearances. Since his debut in 2010, he has led Brazil to a Confederations Cup (2013) and an Olympic Gold Medal (2016). Neymar’s career took him from Santos (2009-2013) to Barcelona (2013-2017) and PSG (2017-2023). 

He has won every major trophy, including the Champions League in 2015 and multiple league titles in Spain and France. He has recorded over 400 goals and 200 assists in his career. Currently, at 34 years old, Neymar returns to Brazil to play for his former club, Santos, having joined in 2024. 

1. Garrincha 

Despite having deformed legs, he became the greatest dribbler in history. He earned 50 caps and scored 12 goals, but the most staggering statistic is that Brazil never lost a match when Garrincha and Pelé played together. He was the hero of the 1962 World Cup, winning the Golden Ball and Golden Boot while leading Brazil to the trophy in Pelé’s absence. 

His career was synonymous with Botafogo (1953-1965), where he made 581 appearances and scored 232 goals. Critics and peers alike, including Eladio Di Stefano, called him "the greatest right winger ever." Garrincha retired in 1972 and tragically passed away in 1983 at age 49. 

Summary of the 5 greatest Brazilian right wingers:

Garrincha 

Neymar Jr 

Rivaldo 

Jairzinho

Julinho Botelho 

Goaloomobi.net has named the 5 most outstanding right-wingers in Brazilian history. Each of these players brought a different flavor to the beautiful game. Which of these legends impresses you the most? If Garrincha, our pick for the best Brazilian right winger, played in the same era as Messi, which left-footed magic would leave you more enchanted?

Beyond these engaging analytical articles, our website provides you with the best experiences in the world of football. We offer breaking news, multi-dimensional analysis, and objective statistics before and after every match. 

Especially for your favorite clubs, you can closely follow the situation with specific schedules across all competitions, squad updates, and expert evaluations. Stay tuned to our platform for the most comprehensive football coverage.