Ramires

Ramires was one of the most dynamic and tireless midfielders in world football during the 2010s. Born in Barra do Piraí, in the state of Rio de Janeiro, the defensive midfielder stood out for his extraordinary physical capacity, his ability to cover great distances, and for appearing in decisive moments to score important goals. Discovered by Joinville, he quickly attracted the interest of Cruzeiro, where he established himself as one of the great promises of Brazilian football. His performances with the Minas Gerais team caught the attention of Benfica, who signed him for Portuguese football. In Lisbon, Ramires confirmed all his potential and was sold to Chelsea, where he experienced the best phase of his career. At Chelsea, Ramires was a key player in winning the UEFA Champions League in 2012 — a campaign in which he made history by scoring an overhead kick against Barcelona in the semifinal, right at Camp Nou, which practically secured the English side's place in the final. His energy, tactical intelligence, and presence in the box made him one of the most complete midfielders in European football. For the Brazil national team, he participated in important competitions, including the 2009 Confederations Cup and the 2010 World Cup. After his time at Chelsea, he played in China and ended his career following injuries that prevented him from achieving even greater prominence.