Best 15Brazilof the 1980s

Brazil's defining player of the decade: an extraordinary creator, dribbler, finisher and free-kick specialist who entered both tournaments as one of the world's foremost stars.

The elegant midfield conductor of the celebrated 1982 side, combining exceptional vision and technique with tactical intelligence and goals from deep.

Captain in 1982 and an influential starter again in 1986; a commanding playmaker renowned for improvisation, back-heels, passing and timely goals.

An exceptionally technical full-back in 1982 and accomplished midfielder in 1986, valued for his intelligence, ball progression and creative passing.

A world-class striker at his late-1980s peak who scored five goals at the 1986 World Cup through explosive movement, composure and clinical finishing.

A complete and highly regarded midfielder whose passing range, ball recovery and positional intelligence were central to Brazil's outstanding 1982 team.

One of the decade's most gifted right-backs, offering refined technique and attacking quality while remaining an intelligent and composed defender.

A spectacular left winger in 1982, feared for his acceleration, powerful left-footed shooting, crossing and memorable long-range goals.

Brazil's outstanding central defender at the 1986 tournament, combining speed, strength, anticipation and confident distribution from the back.

A tenacious and technically reliable midfielder in 1986 who subsequently established himself among Europe's leading defensive midfielders during the decade.

The defensive leader and captain of Brazil's 1982 team, respected for his aerial authority, marking, positioning and strength in duels.

A powerful attacking left-back who emerged at the 1986 World Cup and became renowned for forceful running, crossing and exceptional free-kick ability.

A versatile, composed defender selected for both tournaments who captained Brazil in 1986 and could initiate attacks with confident distribution.

One of the revelations of the 1986 World Cup, producing dynamic two-way displays and two spectacular goals after entering the starting side.

Brazil's first-choice goalkeeper throughout the 1986 World Cup, where he kept four consecutive clean sheets before the quarter-final against France.