Highlights

• There have been a number of Brazilians to light up the Premier League over the years.
• Roberto Firmino and Fabinho shone for Jurgen Klopp at the height of Liverpool's success.
• Manchester City's machine has also relied upon Brazilians such as Fernandinho for their multiple title wins.

The Premier League has been a hub for extraordinary talents, and Brazilian players have been at the forefront for a number of decades now.

South American forward Isaias, who moved to England with Coventry City in 1995, was the first Brazilian to ever play in the Premier League. Since then, many players from that part of the world have graced our screens on a regular basis, and there have been some special talents over the years.

With that being said, GIVEMESPORT has compiled a list of the 15 best Brazilians to have starred in the English top flight, using several variables to come up with a definitive list.

Ranking factors

• Premier League stats (appearances, goals, assists, etc)
• Premier League title wins
• Importance in their team
• International caps
• General quality of career in England and elsewhere

15 Lucas Leiva

Brazil caps: 24

The name Lucas Leiva is synonymous with commitment, resilience, and the very spirit of Liverpool FC. Spending a decade at Anfield, Lucas transformed from an adventurous midfielder to a defensive rock for The Reds.

With 247 appearances in the Premier League, Lucas's adaptation to various roles under different managers showed just how versatile he was, and while he may not have been the flashiest Brazilian import, his performances made him an Anfield favourite. Sadly, he left early on in the Jurgen Klopp era, had he arrived at the club just a little later, he may well have enjoyed more success in England.

14 Oscar

Brazil caps: 48

Quick, intelligent, and blessed with sublime skill, Oscar's arrival at Chelsea in 2012 brought an injection of youthful exuberance. In his four and a half seasons at Stamford Bridge, the midfield maestro managed to bag 21 goals and 19 assists in the Premier League.

The Brazilian's vision and creativity served as key elements in Chelsea's title-winning campaign in 2014-2015, with 14 goal contributions in 28 outings. Though his stint was relatively short, Oscar's impact remains etched in the memory of the Blues' faithful, and he remains one of the best Brazilians to play in England.`

13 Ramires

Brazil caps: 51

Known for his tireless running and box-to-box play, Ramires became a key figure in Chelsea's midfield after joining in 2010. His most iconic moment came in the form of a delightful chip against Barcelona in the Champions League semi-final.

However, it was his consistent performances in the Premier League that earned him a spot on this list. With the versatility to play in multiple positions, Ramires provided energy and balance to the Chelsea side, allowing others around him to flourish.

12 Gabriel Jesus

Brazil caps: 64

Seeing as Gabriel Jesus has won the Premier League four times (all with Manchester City), some may feel as though he deserves to rank higher on this list. Unfortunately, as others around him have been more important during those title-winning campaigns (such as Sergio Aguero and Kevin De Bruyne), he sits just 12th here. However, he is still playing and has become vital to Arsenal since his 2022 move to north London.

Should the forward help fire the Gunners to a league title, he may then move up a few spots. He sits ahead of the likes of Ramires, Oscar and Lucas Leiva for a few reasons but one notable factor is that he has never lost a league game in the English top flight when scoring – a remarkable statistic which stretches for 73 games and 60 goals.

11 Thiago Silva

Brazil caps: 113

Thiago Silva spent the best years of his career overseas, winning titles with the likes of AC Milan and Paris Saint-Germain. Even so, his arrival in the Premier League with Chelsea saw the veteran defender bring a wealth of experience and composure to the table.

Despite his age, Silva's reading of the game and leadership was immediately instrumental in solidifying Chelsea's defence, helping them to a Champions League title. The main reason Silva isn't ranked higher on this list is that he arrived in England at such a late stage in his career. In terms of pure talent, he's right at the very top.

10 David Luiz

Brazil caps: 57

David Luiz sneaks in just ahead of Silva – mainly due to his longevity in the English top flight. A player who brought both flair, controversy and a winning mentality, his spells at Chelsea and Arsenal were never short of talking points.

Known for his long-range goals, incisive passes, and extravagant playing style, Luiz's contributions were instrumental in Chelsea's Premier League and Champions League successes. While his defensive lapses sometimes raised eyebrows, the Brazilian's ability to change the game when it mattered ensured he remains a prominent figure in Premier League history.

9 Juninho

Brazil caps: 52

Juninho's love affair with Middlesbrough saw him become a cult hero at the Riverside Stadium. His technical ability, flair, and creativity were a joy to watch in the late 90s and early 2000s.

In a league that was often dominated by physicality, Juninho's skill set was a breath of fresh air, allowing him to win the Premier League Player of the Season for 1996/97. His emotional connection with the fans and commitment to the club mark him as one of English football's most cherished Brazilians.

GIVEMESPORT Key Statistic: Juninho is the only Brazilian to be named as the Premier League Player of the Year.

8 Gilberto Silva

Brazil caps: 93

A key component of Arsenal's 'Invincibles,' Gilberto Silva's contributions were often understated but vital. His defensive work allowed Arsenal's more attacking players to bomb forward at will, while his calm presence helped guide the team through many challenging fixtures, most notably Manchester United.

With a World Cup winner's pedigree, Silva brought not just skill but a winning mentality to the Gunners' midfield, helping them achieve one of the greatest feats in English football history. His midfield partnership with Patrick Vieira is rightly the stuff of legend.

7 Philippe Coutinho

Brazil caps: 68

Philippe Coutinho's blend of skill, vision, and shooting ability made him one of Liverpool's standout performers during his time at Anfield. His capacity to score stunning long-range goals and deliver decisive passes made him a key part of Liverpool's attacking prowess.

Though his departure to Barcelona didn't go well, and came before Liverpool started to dominate, Coutinho's contributions to the Premier League are still remembered fondly by fans. Still, he would rank higher on this list if he'd enjoyed more tangible success with Jurgen Klopp, or if he'd fared better during his time at Aston Villa.

6 Willian

Brazil caps: 70

Willian's Premier League journey with Chelsea was marked by dazzling dribbles, precise set-pieces, and important goals. His ability to turn a game on its head made him a vital asset for the teams he played for.

Lifting two Premier League titles at Chelsea, Willian's importance in key matches and consistency in delivering performances makes him one of the best wingers in the league's history. He may not have performed so well at Arsenal, but his time with Fulham reminded everyone that form is temporary, but class is permanent.

5 Fabinho

Brazil caps: 29

Fabinho's departure from Liverpool brought to close a chapter filled with success and silverware. His reliability, technical ability, and tactical awareness made him an essential part of the club's midfield.

Whether as a holding midfielder or even filling in at centre-back, Fabinho's performances were consistently top-notch for a number of years. His pivotal role in the Reds' sole Premier League triumph cements his place among the best Brazilians in the league. He'd almost certainly have more than just one winner's medal if it wasn't for Pep Guardiola and co.

4 Ederson

Brazil caps: 25

It's funny to think that Guardiola was questioned for dropping Joe Hart when he arrived in Manchester. Those doubts have long been vanquished and Pep has Ederson to thank for that. The Brazilian's arrival at Manchester City revolutionised the goalkeeper's role in English football.

His exceptional ball distribution, ability to play out from the back, and consistency in goalkeeping have been integral to City's dominance. With multiple Premier League titles under his belt, Ederson's presence between the sticks has been a cornerstone of City's success.

3 Alisson Becker

Brazil caps: 63

Liverpool's Alisson Becker is not just a world-class goalkeeper; he has been a game-changer for the Reds. His shot-stopping abilities, command of the area, and calm presence have brought stability to Liverpool's defence. Due to the high line Klopp has employed to get the best out of his side, he is arguably the club's most important player.

Key saves in crucial moments, along with a Premier League title and a Champions League trophy, make the shot-stopper one of the most significant Brazilian players in English football history. He might not have won as much as Ederson, but that is nothing to do with Alisson's quality.

2 Fernandinho

Brazil caps: 53

A vital cog in Manchester City's machine, Fernandinho's consistency, work rate, and ability to break up play (albeit often with a tactical foul) allowed him to run the show at the Etihad for many a year. His adaptability to fill various roles and his leadership qualities on and off the pitch make the enforcer one of the most valuable Brazilians in Premier League history.

His contribution to City's multiple title-winning campaigns is a testament to his quality and simply cannot be overlooked. Without him, Guardiola would not have been nearly as dominant in England. A truly special player, with five Premier League titles to show for it.

1 Roberto Firmino

Brazil caps: 55

Roberto Firmino represents the epitome of the modern attacking player. His work rate, creativity, and goal-scoring ability have made him an essential part of Liverpool's success – while his love of a no-look-pass served as a reminder of his Brazilian roots.

Firmino's off-the-ball movement and unselfish play truly set him apart and without him, the likes of Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane would have failed to reach such heights. With a Premier League title to his name (plus numerous other trophies such as the Champions League, FA Cup, League Cup, and Club World Cup), Firmino's unique blend of skills make him the best Brazilian to have played in the English top-flight. What's more, he's scored more goals in the competition than any of his countrymen.

All stats taken from the official Premier League website and Transfermarkt (as of 29/04/24).