The Spanish championship, or La Liga, has always been a magnet for talent in the world of football. Among these talents, Brazilian players have always occupied a special place.
Whether, of course, with Barça or Real, the most predominant clubs in Spain, or at the level of the other clubs which monopolize the upper echelons of Spanish football, the Brazilians have always stood out, leaving for some indelible traces of their passage through Iberian lands.
In this article, we’ll highlight the five Brazilian footballers considered to be the best to have played in La Liga, taking a look at their exceptional journeys, memorable exploits and impressive statistics.
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Neymar: The artist
Neymar marked his move to the Spanish league by joining FC Barcelona in May 2013. Upon his arrival, he quickly won the hearts of Catalan fans with his spectacular play and phenomenal dribbling ability.
His 2014-2015 season was particularly memorable. He helped achieve a historic treble for the club, winning La Liga, the Copa del Rey and the Champions League alongside Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez with whom he formed the famous “MSN” trio. The following season, in 2015-2016, was just as successful with the domestic double.
In all, Neymar scored 68 goals in 123 games for Barcelona and won 8 major trophies in Catalonia, including two championships and a Champions League.
His time at Barcelona remains an unforgettable chapter in the history of the Spanish championship, for his titles, but also and above all for the great game he was able to offer during this period.
Ronaldinho: The smile
Ronaldinho is synonymous with joy and creativity on the pitch. A football magician, he marked his era in the Spanish championship during his time at FC Barcelona in 2003.
The 2003–04 season saw Ronaldinho make his debut for Barcelona with an immediate impact. His exceptional talent was evident with every touch of the ball, and he quickly won the hearts of Catalan fans. Despite suffering injuries early in the season, he scored 15 goals in La Liga, contributing to Barcelona’s second place in the league.
After a first La Liga title gleaned the following year, the 2005-2006 season was the high point of his career at Barcelona. She has seen Ronaldinho win numerous individual awards, including the FIFPro World Player of the Year and the Ballon d’Or, while also winning the Champions League with Barcelona. He continued to amaze crowds with sensational goals, most notably in the Champions League, where Barcelona ultimately triumphed.
Ronaldinho left Barcelona in 2008, leaving behind an indelible legacy. His spectacular game. His charisma, his impact on football, and above all his smile, will remain forever engraved in the history of FC Barcelona.
Ronaldo: The Phenom
Ronaldo, nicknamed the Phenom, marked the history of La Liga during his time at FC Barcelona in 1996-1997 and at Real Madrid from 2002 to 2007. He is also part of the shortlist of Brazilians to have shone with both clubs.
In just one season at Barça, at the age of 20, he scored 34 goals in 37 games. Ronaldo also won the La Liga top scorer title that season, and his impact on the pitch was immeasurable. He would even end up winning his first Ballon d’Or that year.
His Barça teammate, Luis Figo, said: “Playing with Ronaldo was like a dream. He was one of the most talented players I have ever met.”
But his time at FC Barcelona was unfortunately hampered by injuries. However, after a period in Italy, he returned to Spain in 2002, to Real Madrid, where he continued to shine and won another Ballon d’Or that same year.
Ronaldo has scored a total of 104 goals in 177 appearances for Real Madrid. His technique and efficiency in front of goal have made him one of the most formidable attackers in La Liga.
In total, Ronaldo won 6 titles with these two clubs, scored more than 150 goals, won two Ballons d’Or, and left an indelible mark on the history of Spanish football, despite injuries.
Rivaldo: The Legend
Rivaldo is undoubtedly one of the most emblematic Brazilians to have played in La Liga. He joined FC Barcelona in 1997 from Deportivo La Coruna where he had a successful season.
During his first season at Barcelona, Rivaldo established himself as one of the best strikers in the world. He was the second highest scorer in La Liga with 19 goals in 34 matches, helping Barcelona win the La Liga and Copa del Rey doubles. His ability to score goals in any way possible was breathtaking, and he quickly became the fans’ idol.
In 1999, Rivaldo won La Liga again with Barcelona, and he was once again the league’s second top scorer with 24 goals. It was also in 1999 that Rivaldo was crowned FIFA Player of the Year and awarded the Ballon d’Or. His talent on the pitch was undeniable, and he was rightly considered one of the best players in the world.
During his five years at Barcelona, Rivaldo scored a total of 130 goals, placing him among the top scorers in the club’s history. His time at Barcelona is marked by moments of genius, incredible goals and a contribution to the club’s history by winning 5 titles, including 2 La Liga.
Romário: The sniper
Romario played for Valencia FC between 1996 and 1997, but his journey in Spain began a few years earlier. In 1993, he joined FC Barcelona, becoming one of the centerpieces of Johan Cruyff’s “Dream Team”.
Alongside teammates such as Hristo Stoichkov, José Mari Bakero, Michael Laudrup and prolific goalscoring defender Ronald Koeman, Romario helped Barcelona win the La Liga title in the 1993-94 season. That year he became the season’s top scorer with 30 goals in 33 matches.
Barcelona also reached the Champions League final in 1994, but despite being favorites, the team was defeated 0-4 by AC Milan.
Johan Cruyff himself had deep respect for Romario, calling him the best player he had ever coached. “It must be said that it is Romário. You never knew what to expect with him. His technique was exceptional, and he scored goals from every possible position, most of the time with his toe, oddly enough.”
Romario left an indelible mark in La Liga, whether at Barcelona or Valencia. He remained in the memory of fans and opponents as one of the most formidable strikers of his era.
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