for as long as the games has been played, rio de janeiro has consistently produced soccer greatness - not only on a club level, but also on an individual level, with many outstanding talents starting out their career in the streets, squares and beache of the city. considering the limitless amount of support, admiration and devotion that is poured into the sport of soccer, it is only natural that many of the games best players have been elevated to the status of legendary and even godly by some.

among the most beloved carioca players are such well known names as Romário, Ronaldo, Adriano, Zico, Jairizinho and Thiago Silva, furthermore, marta, who is considered by many the best femal player of all time, began her career at the carioca club vasco de gama, although she was not born in rio - marta vieira da silva currently holds the record for most goals scored at a fifa world cup, and she is an inspiration to thousands of aspiring young girls around the country, wh wish to follow in her footsteps and play on the international stage.