Analyzing Standout Players from the Last Brazilian Série A

With the Brazilian Série A set to return soon and the transfer window closed, it's the perfect time to look back at some of the most interesting names from the previous season. South America remains a goldmine for emerging talents, — and Brazil in particular as the biggest league offers a lot. While I’m not an expert on the league, my data-driven approach highlights several players worth keeping an eye on.

Before diving into the names, I want to address a few updates to my radar methodology:

• For goalkeepers, Punches and Claims are now weighted against Crosses Faced instead of a per-98-minute basis.

• For outfield players, Shots, Turnovers, Progressive Carries and Passes, Progressive Carries and Passes into the Final Third, and Touches in the Box are now weighted on the player’s total touches rather than per-98-minute calculations.

The Elephant in the Room: Estêvão

There’s little left for Estêvão to prove at Palmeiras. His move to Europe is arriving at right time probably — it’ll be fascinating to see how quickly he adapts.

Goalkeepers

Carlos Miguel (26, Nottingham Forest)

Despite playing just 600 minutes in 2024, Carlos Miguel stood out. According to FBref’s Post-Shot Expected Goals model, he prevented 2.1 more goals than expected, suggesting solid shot-stopping ability. He’s also an effective passer, particularly when going long, though his distribution is often followed by an engagement from the opponent. However, he takes a conservative approach to sweeping and aerial claims, which could be an area for improvement. This whole package seemed enough to Nottingham to move for him.

Mycael (20, Athletico Paranaense)

The most intriguing name here is Mycael. At just 20 years old, he’s already played over 1,500 minutes and matches Carlos Miguel’s 2.1 goals prevented. His passing is solid, he contributes well in buildup play, and he’s active off his line, though a bit reserved in aerial duels making him pretty modern and talented.

Other notable goalkeepers:

• Pedro Rangel

• Anderson (Cruzeiro)

• Matheus Mendes

Center-Backs

Robert Renan (21) has already made his way to Europe with Zenit, returned to Brazil, and then moved to Saudi Arabia. He’s a strong defender with above-average carrying ability, things that could’ve made him an interesting case for a potential European return in the last months.

Other names to watch:

• Matteo Gamarra (24)

• Lucas Halter (24)

• Vitão (25)

Kaiky Naves (22, Palmeiras)

At almost 23, Naves could be the most intriguing of the bunch. While he needs to improve in 1v1 defending and pressing resistance, his overall defensive data suggests strong potential out of possession, while also adding passing ability.

Wingbacks

Full-backs and wing-backs are notoriously hard to find, and these players are reaching a crucial age (23-24) for a potential move to Europe. All of them played 2,300+ minutes last season, meaning they’re already reliable and valued at the top level.

Interesting names:

• Bruno Gomes

• Alejo Cruz

• Alexandro Bernabéi

Claudinho (24, Criciúma)

A well-rounded wing-back who contributes in defense, shot creation, and passing. With defenders, tape often allows better evaluations and decision, and his numbers suggest he could be worth a closer look.

Lucas Esquivel (24, Athletico Paranaense)

Esquivel played over 3,000 minutes and, like Claudinho, is a well-rounded player  — but with better data points and a strong ability to progress the ball through carries.

Central & Defensive Midfielders

Everton Araújo (21, Flamengo)

Playing 900+ minutes for a club as big as Flamengo at his age is impressive. His defensive metrics are strong, and if he improves his progression and passing value, he could be a major prospect.

John John (22, Red Bull Bragantino)

Another product of the Red Bull system, John John has great numbers in and out of possession. At 22 and just under 200 days, he still has time to refine his game before hitting his peak (24-29).

Other names:

• Max (Cuiabá)

• Bruno Zapelli

Attacking Midfielders & Wingers

Among the standout names:

• Imanol Machuca

• Janderson (Atlético Goianiense)

• Biel (already picked up by Sporting CP)

Kervin Andrade (19)

At just 19 years old, he managed to get 600+ minutes in the Brazilian Série A —promising signs for a young talent who already shots well above average.

Lorran (18, Flamengo)

Lorran isn’t even 19 yet, and he’s already played 800+ minutes for Flamengo. That alone makes him one to watch closely, but he also shots with above average quality, creates for his teammates and adds value in different ways.

Choose your next footballing love interest.

Strikers

Finding good strikers that translate their performance when moving ce development is tricky, with peak age typically between 24 and 29 therefore making the players below in a tough spot.

• Alerrandro (25) – Likely too late and not enough for a top European move.

• José López (24), Igor Jesus (24), and Yuri Alberto (24) – Right at the edge of the ideal window, but Yuri Alberto has been contacted in more than one summer, plus feels like passed a decade from when it was a wonderkid in Football Manager.

• Kaio Jorge (23) – Has already had a European stint and could return if he develops further.

Kauã Elias (18, ex-Fluminense)

The most exciting name here. Despite being just 18 right now, he played 1,600+ minutes in the league before moving to Shakhtar Donetsk. His shot selection needs work, but his value creation is already impressive.

Final Thoughts

The Brazilian Série A remains a league full of hidden gems, and the names above are just a selection of players who could make the leap to Europe in the coming years since we know teams make new youngsters play every season, and knowing theirs lower ranks would help being ready when they do the jump to senior matches. Given the time needed to adapt to new leagues and the more and more young centered approach from european clubs, timing is key — some are already on the move, while others might need another season or two to refine their game.

Who will be the next big export? Let’s see how they progress in 2025.