Pele, Ronaldo, Romario, Jairzinho – Brazil’s history shines with legendary strikers. They carried the nation to five World Cup triumphs. Now, the hunt is on for the forward who will lead the team at this summer’s tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Brazil boasts attacking talent with Vinicius Jr, Rodrygo, Raphinha and Willian Estevao. Neymar’s return remains possible too. Yet the battle for the iconic number nine shirt looks wide open.
Eight contenders play in the Premier League. Their form in England could shape Brazil’s hopes of ending a 24-year wait for the trophy. Brentford’s Igor Thiago shares second place in the Premier League scoring charts with four goals. Tottenham’s Richarlison has three, while Chelsea’s Joao Pedro has scored twice. Nottingham Forest’s Igor Jesus has netted four times in cup competitions.
Richarlison and Pedro appear most likely to feature in Carlo Ancelotti’s next squad for World Cup qualifiers this week. Many of Brazil’s striking candidates will be judged closely in the Premier League this season.
Richarlison seeks consistency
Tottenham’s Richarlison, 28, has 20 goals from 52 Brazil caps, ranking only behind Neymar among current contenders. He started in Brazil’s recent loss to Bolivia but came off the bench against Chile. Richarlison has already scored three Premier League goals for Spurs this season.
Joao Pedro chases his breakthrough
Joao Pedro, 24, hopes his summer move to Chelsea will ignite his international career. This marks his debut campaign in the Champions League after spells with Fluminense, Watford and Brighton. He has yet to score in five caps but featured in both of Brazil’s latest qualifiers.
Matheus Cunha eyes redemption
Matheus Cunha, 26, needs a strong season at Manchester United to secure his Brazil spot. His 17 goals for Wolves last year marked the best season of his career. Yet his Brazil record remains modest, with just one goal from 15 caps. That came in a heavy 4-1 loss to Argentina.
Evanilson waits for his chance
Bournemouth striker Evanilson, 25, has two Brazil appearances but no goals. He scored 10 Premier League goals last season for the Cherries. However, he lost Champions League exposure after leaving Porto.
Igor Jesus shows promise
Nottingham Forest striker Igor Jesus, 24, hopes to shine in England and earn Brazil recognition. He joined this summer from Botafogo after a stint in the United Arab Emirates. He impressed quickly, netting four goals in two early games for Forest against Swansea and Real Betis. Jesus owns one goal from four Brazil caps.
Gabriel Jesus fights injury
Can Arsenal’s Gabriel Jesus regain fitness and form? The 28-year-old forward has not played since January after a serious knee injury. He has scored 19 goals in 64 caps for Brazil and would be a guaranteed squad pick when fit. Yet Arsenal omitted him from their Champions League list, hinting his recovery remains distant.
Rodrigo Muniz faces obstacles
Fulham’s Rodrigo Muniz, 24, has never featured in a Brazil squad or youth side. He must first replace Raul Jimenez at Fulham, then deliver enough goals to catch Ancelotti’s attention.
Igor Thiago makes his case
Brentford striker Igor Thiago, 24, is uncapped but in form. He missed much of last season with injury but has returned strongly. His five goals already include a brace against Manchester United. Continued form could force his way into Ancelotti’s plans.
Vitor Roque back in Brazil
Vitor Roque, 20, made his Brazil debut in 2023. That summer he signed an eight-year Barcelona deal. He left after one season and returned to Brazil with Palmeiras. His next international step depends on his domestic impact.
Marcos Leonardo rising abroad
Marcos Leonardo, 22, is thriving with Saudi club Al-Hilal. He finished joint top scorer at the Club World Cup with four goals, including two against Manchester United. Yet he has not played for Brazil’s senior team.
Endrick inspires excitement
Real Madrid prodigy Endrick, 19, looks set to play a key role next summer. He already has three goals in 14 Brazil appearances. At 17, he became the youngest ever scorer at Wembley with a goal against England. However, he missed the season start due to a hamstring injury.
