The Brazilian ballers bringing flicks, flair and fortitude to RSL

The Roshn Saudi League has been home to some of Brazilian football’s biggest names, from modern-day greats like Neymar and Roberto Firmino, to superstars of yesteryear such as Rivellino and Denilson.

So, as Al Nassr goalkeeper Bento played his part in the Selecao’s 5-0 victory against South Korea on Friday and is expected to keep his place for Tuesday’s friendly with Japan, we look at some of the best Samba stars to feature in the RSL this season.

Matheus Goncalves - Al Ahli

One of the newest talents to arrive in the RSL, the 20-year-old was a prized summer-window signing for Al Ahli after four seasons with Brazilian giants Flamengo. Most recently, he was part of the Flamengo squad for June’s FIFA Club World Cup.

With injuries opening opportunities early at Al Ahli, Goncalves has grasped his chance with both hands with some impressive performances against Al Hilal and Al Hazem, including an assist against the latter.

With a goal, and another fine performance, in the Asian champions’ 2-2 draw against Al Duhail in the AFC Champions League Elite, it’s been a strong start to life in the RSL for the young star.

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Marcos Leonardo - Al Hilal

The 22-year-old almost feels like a long-time contributor to the RSL, yet it is worth remembering this is only his second season in the Kingdom.

After his stunning exploits at the FIFA Club World Cup, including a brace against Manchester City in Al Hilal’s incredible 4-3 win, in Leonardo’s sole RSL appearance so far this season he showed the impact he can have: in Matchweek 4, he netted a brace in the 3-1 win at home to Al Okhdood.

With another goal in the AFC Champions League Elite, Leonardo is doing what he does best: scoring goals. It’s why he’s established himself as one of the most dangerous attackers in the division.

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Fabinho - Al Ittihad

At the other end of the age spectrum to Goncalves and Leonardo, Fabinho is no stranger to the Selecao, earning 29 caps across an already-illustrious career.

His quality and experience have shone through across two seasons at Al Ittihad – in the second, he captured the RSL title - forging one of the strongest midfield partnerships with N’Golo Kante in the process.

While Brazilians, including many on this list, have a reputation for style and flair, Fabinho excels in the seemingly more rudimentary tasks of the game and is perhaps noticed more when he isn’t in the RSL champions’ side. It’s a testament to just how important he is to the functioning of his team.

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Guga - Al Kholood

A name we could hear plenty about in the future, Gustavo “Guga” Gouveia is looking to make the most of his chance on loan at Al Kholood this season.

The 19-year-old arrived in the Kingdom last term - one of a number of young, exciting prospects to land at new boys Al Qadsiah - but played largely for the youth team before making his professional debut against Al Khaleej in April.

The forward touched down from Brazil with a burgeoning reputation having been the top scorer for Gremio’s Under-20 side, which put him on the radar of scouts around the world.

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Angelo Gabriel - Al Nassr

Given the amount of football he’s played already, it’s scarcely believable that Angelo is still only 20 years of age. A star coming through at Santos, where he made 129 appearances before he had even turned 19, he was signed by English Premier League club Chelsea - a sign of how highly he was rated.

Having made the move to Al Nassr last season, the arrival of Jorge Jesus in the summer has seen the attacker take on a new role.

Normally a winger throughout his career, Jesus has looked to play Angelo more centrally, saying: “I examined the team and found that Angelo is a midfielder, not a winger. He has many skills. I need a box-to-box player, and he is suitable for that role.”

Expect him to flourish for the title contenders this campaign.

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Samir - Al Najmah

The 30-year-old defender has exactly what Al Najmah need this season: top-level experience. The former Brazil U20 international derived that from playing in both Serie A and the English Premier League.

It was during his time with Udinese in Italy's top flight that Smir received his debut call-up to Brazil’s senior national team for friendlies against Colombia and Peru, although he remained an unused substitute in both.

In only two appearances in the RSL this season, that know-how has come to the fore at promoted Al Najmah, with a goal and an assist already - an impressive return for a defender.

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Gabriel Carvalho - Al Qadsiah

Like Guga, Gabriel Carvalho was one of those exciting young players to sign for Al Qadsiah last season as the club from Al Khobar had an eye on the future as well as the present.

Despite signing in January, the 18-year-old was able to make the move only in the summer, where he is already featuring for Michel’s side.

In his first official start, in the King’s Cup, Carvalho put in a super-impressive display, providing an assist for captain Nacho and proving an all-round dangerous threat in the final third. It was a sign of what is to come for the electrifying winger.