Football: Brazilian Players with Most International Appearances, by number of matches
PlayerNumber of matches
Cafu143
Neymar128
Roberto Carlos127
Dani Alves126
Thiago Silva113
Lúcio105
Claudio Taffarel102
Robinho100
Ronaldo99
Djalma Santos98
Ronaldinho Gaúcho97
Gilberto Silva93
Gilmar93
Dida93
Pelé92
Kaká92
Roberto Rivelino92
Dunga91
  • Region: Brazil
  • Time period: Feb 2024
  • Published: Feb 2024

Data Analysis and Insights

Updated: Apr 13, 2024 | Published by: Statistico | About Us | Data sources

Cafu leads with the highest number of matches for Brazil

Cafu stands out as the Brazilian footballer with the most international appearances, having played 143 matches. His extensive career has significantly contributed to Brazil's football history, marking him as a legendary figure in the sport.

Top four players represent different football generations

The diversity in generations among Brazil's most-capped players is evident, with Cafu (143 matches), Neymar (128 matches), Roberto Carlos (127 matches), and Dani Alves (126 matches) illustrating the country's sustained talent across different eras.

Defenders and forwards dominate the top positions

Defensive players like Cafu, Roberto Carlos, Dani Alves, and Thiago Silva, along with forward Neymar, dominate the top five spots, showcasing Brazil's balanced strength in both defense and attack over the years.

Goalkeepers and midfielders in minority among top-ranked players

Goalkeepers and midfielders are less represented in the top ranks of appearances. Claudio Taffarel, a goalkeeper, and Gilberto Silva, a midfielder, are among the few exceptions, with 102 and 93 matches, respectively.

Centurions club is exclusive

Only eight players have reached or surpassed the 100 matches milestone for Brazil, highlighting the exclusivity and prestige associated with this achievement in international football.

Legendary status of Pele with fewer matches

Pele, one of football's most iconic figures, is listed with 92 international matches, which is fewer than many of his successors. This emphasizes the impact and legacy Pele has left on the sport, despite playing in fewer matches.

Tight clustering of appearances among top players

A narrow gap in the number of international appearances among players, especially from the 10th to the 18th position, where the difference ranges from 98 to 91 matches, indicates a high level of competition and consistency among Brazilian international footballers.

Robinho and Ronaldo highlight forwards' contribution

Forwards like Robinho and Ronaldo, with 100 and 99 matches respectively, underline the significant contribution of attacking players to Brazil's football history, showcasing their vital roles in the team's successes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the Brazilian footballer with the most international appearances?

Cafu holds the record for the most international appearances for Brazil, having played a total of 143 matches.

Who are Brazil's top four most-capped players across football generations?

The top four most-capped players, representing different generations for Brazil, are Cafu (143 matches), Neymar (128 matches), Roberto Carlos (127 matches), and Dani Alves (126 matches).

Are defenders or midfielders dominate the top positions in most matches for Brazil?

Defenders like Cafu, Roberto Carlos, and Dani Alves, and also forward Neymar, dominate the top positions, indicating strength in defense and attack.

How many players have managed to reach or exceed the 100 matches milestone for Brazil?

Only eight players have reached or exceeded the 100 matches milestone for Brazil, emphasizing the exclusivity of the achievement.

Terms and Definitions

A football match refers to a contest between two teams, each consisting of 11 players, playing a game of football. The aim of the match is for each team to score more goals than the other within a set period of play, usually 90 minutes divided into two halves.

An official match in international football refers to a game that has been sanctioned by FIFA or a continental confederation. These matches can be part of international tournaments, qualification rounds for these tournaments, or friendlies included in the official match calendar.

A national team in football is a team that represents a nation in international competition. It is composed of players selected based on their performance, skills and talent. For instance, the Brazilian national football team represents Brazil in men’s international football and is administered by the Brazilian Football Confederation.

FIFA stands for The Federation Internationale de Football Association. It is a non-profit organization that serves as the international governing body for football. It is in charge of administration, the organization of tournaments, defining the rules of the game, and promoting the sport globally.

Friendlies are non-competitive football matches played between different national or club teams. These matches do not count towards rankings or qualifications for other tournaments but are often used for practice and experimentation with team setup and strategies.

In football, the formation describes how the players in a team are positioned on the pitch and their responsibilities on the field. Specific player positions include defenders, midfielders, and attackers, among others.

The Brazilian Football Confederation is the governing body of football in Brazil. It organizes the Brazilian national teams (both male and female) and the main football competitions among clubs in Brazil.
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