Brazil's Striker Race Ahead of Upcoming World Cup
Pele, Ronaldo, Romario, Jairzinho. These names represent just a few of the legendary goalscorers that Brazil has produced throughout its rich footballing history, contributing to the nation's record five World Cup victories.
As Brazil prepares for the upcoming World Cup tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico this summer, the competition for the striker position is heating up.
While talents such as Vinicius Jr, Rodrygo, Raphinha, and Willian Estevao, along with the potential return of Neymar, offer an array of exciting attacking options, the battle for the coveted number nine shirt remains wide open.
With eight contenders currently competing in the Premier League, developments in England over the next few months will significantly influence Brazil's quest to end a 24-year trophy drought.
Brentford's Igor Thiago stands out as one of the top scorers in the Premier League with four goals, while Tottenham's Richarlison has netted three and Chelsea's Joao Pedro has scored twice. Additionally, Igor Jesus has found the net four times in cup matches for Nottingham Forest.
Richarlison and Pedro are expected to be included in Brazil's squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers, as announced by head coach Carlo Ancelotti.
BBC Sport examines some of the striker candidates that Ancelotti will be monitoring closely this season, most of whom are playing in the Premier League.
Richarlison
At 28, Tottenham forward Richarlison has scored 20 goals in 52 caps for Brazil, placing him second only to Neymar among World Cup candidates. He participated in Brazil's recent qualifier defeat to Bolivia and came off the bench against Chile. This season, he has scored three goals in the Premier League.
Joao Pedro
24-year-old Joao Pedro is eager to make his mark following his summer transfer to Chelsea. This season marks his Champions League debut after previous stints at Fluminense, Watford, and Brighton. Despite not yet scoring in five appearances for Brazil, he has been involved in both recent qualifiers.
Matheus Cunha
Matheus Cunha, 26, aims for a strong season at Manchester United to secure a regular spot in the national team. Last season, he achieved a career-best with 17 goals for Wolves, but has only scored once in his 15 caps to date.
Evanilson
Bournemouth striker Evanilson, 25, has made only two appearances for Brazil without finding the net. Last season, he scored 10 goals in the Premier League but has since lost his Champions League spot after transferring from Porto.
Igor Jesus
24-year-old Igor Jesus from Nottingham Forest is hoping to make an impact in the Premier League to secure a place in the Brazil squad. He joined from Botafogo this summer and has already scored four goals in his first two starts for Forest. He has one goal in four appearances for Brazil.
Gabriel Jesus
Arsenal forward Gabriel Jesus, 28, faces questions about his fitness after being sidelined since January due to an anterior cruciate ligament injury. With 19 goals in 64 caps for Brazil, he would be a strong candidate for selection if he can return to form, though he was recently omitted from Arsenal's Champions League squad.
Rodrigo Muniz
Fulham's Rodrigo Muniz, 24, has yet to make his debut for the senior Brazil squad and is uncapped at youth levels. He needs to secure a starting position over Raul Jimenez at Fulham and score consistently to catch Ancelotti's attention.
Igor Thiago
Brentford's Igor Thiago, also 24 and uncapped, missed most of last season due to injury but has already scored five goals this season, including a double against Manchester United. If he maintains this form, he could become a key player for Ancelotti.
Vitor Roque
20-year-old Vitor Roque earned his only Brazil cap in 2023, the same summer he signed an eight-year deal with Barcelona. After a season with the club, he has returned to Brazil to play for Palmeiras.
Marcos Leonardo
Marcos Leonardo, 22, has made a significant impact at Saudi club Al-Hilal, where he was the joint top scorer at the FIFA Club World Cup with four goals, including two against Manchester United. However, he is yet to make his senior Brazil debut.
Endrick
Real Madrid prodigy Endrick, 19, hopes to secure a prominent role in the Brazilian squad next summer. He has scored three goals in 14 appearances for Brazil, becoming the youngest goalscorer at Wembley at 17. However, he missed the start of this season due to a hamstring injury.