Beyond Soccer: The Rise of Brazilian Sports Icons

Edras Pereira • Jul 21, 2023

Brazil is undoubtedly known worldwide for many reasons, from politics to culture. However, there is something that makes the country unforgettable: the power to create and reveal athletes in different types of sports.

Back in the day, Brazil succeeded in showing to the world new football talents, but the scene has changed. There is no lack of names raising our green and yellow flag as high as possible.


If we account for these precious athletes, it’s clear that the audiovisual market has all the elements for a never ending offer of great narratives about sports stars — a huge demand for full production service teams in Brazil.


In this article, you will learn more about our astonishing athletes.


Neymar: Top-Class or Superstar?

Our list had to begin with him — Neymar is unquestionably the most spoken-about athlete among Brazilian sports fans. 


Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior is a Brazilian football player born on February 5, 1992, in Mogi das Cruzes, Brazil. Since childhood, he has demonstrated talent and skills that made him one of the best players in the world.

Neymar Jr. holding a PSG jersey.

He began his career in 2009, playing for Santos FC. In spite of playing at a very young age, he won many competitions, such as Copa Libertadores, the most important soccer title in South America. Years later, in 2013, he got the chance to play with Messi and Suárez for Barcelona. Wearing the Spanish team jersey, Neymar achieved many titles, including the UEFA Champions League.


In 2017, PSG signed a deal with the rising-star striker, willing to invest in the one who could increase the potency of the French club.


Over the past 10 years of his career, Neymar has suffered many injuries. However, he has also been the most important player for the Brazilian national team. Despite all his achievements playing for different clubs, there is one thing that Neymar still seeks: the FIFA World Cup champion title.

Personal Archieve | @neymarjr

Apart from his journey on the pitch, Neymar lives a superstar life. He also became known for his polemics and scandals. The stardom-kind-of-life is the reason why there are several Neymar lookalikes. One of them, Eigon Oliveira, calls himself Ney’s Lookalike (sósia do Neymar). In the last World Cup, in Qatar, he showed up with similar hair, tattoos and other accessories. Oliveira has more than one million followers on Instagram. If the original striker isn’t easily available, his lookalike could be a great alternative for your Brazilian casting needs.

Eigon Oliveira, el doble de Neymar.

Marta: the Queen

Marta Vieira da Silva is simply known as Marta. In the world of women's football, she is an important point of reference. Marta was born on February 19, 1986, in Dois Riachos, Brazil. 


Marta's career began in 2002. At that time, she joined Vasco da Gama. During her journey as an athlete, this incredible woman has also played for Umeå IK (Sweden), Santos FC (Brazil) and Orlando Pride (the USA). 

Marta, professional brazilian soccer player.

Because of her qualities and goal-scoring abilities, Marta won the FIFA Women's World Player of the Year award six times. She goes beyond sports — her resilience, passion and determination — expands her professional achievements, inspiring and empowering women all over the world.


 Marta’s rich story and noble character are perfect for a Brazilian movie.

Rayssa Leal: the SK8 Fairy

Rayssa Leal came out of the blue. Born on January 4, 2008, in Imperatriz, Brazil, this powerful and skilled young girl went viral thanks to an internet video of her showing her spectacular skateboarding skills at the age of 7. Fun fact: she was dressed in a fairy costume — that’s how she got the nickname “the sk8 fairy”.

Rayssa Leal, brazilian teen pro-skater.

After that, she became a sensation. As a 13-year-old teenager, she has already won a silver medal at the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympics, becoming the youngest Olympic medalist in skateboarding history.


Like Neymar, Rayssa has some lookalikes: one of them is a
young athlete who plays Taekwondo. In spite of their different areas of sport, they have an aspect in common: Heloisa Bastos, Rayssa’s double, who also represents the Brazilian national team in tournaments.

Heloisa Bastos, teen taekondo fighter.

Beatriz Haddad Maia: a Tennis History Maker

Following famous Brazilian tennis players Maria Esther Bueno and Gustavo Kuerten (Guga), we have Bia.



Beatriz “Bia” Haddad Maia was born on May 30, 1996, in São Paulo, Brazil. Her aggressive way of playing tennis brought her to the Roland Garros semi-finals in 2023 — the first Brazilian woman to achieve it. Her left-hander also skyrocketed up the rankings of ATP (Association of Tennis Professionals, launching her to the world’s top 10.

Tennis player, Beatriz Haddad.

In this year’s Roland Garros semi-finals, Bia was beaten by the Polish Iga Swiatek, winner of the last two editions of the championship. Even after her loss, her appearance in the most famous tennis tournament made her an idol for millions of Brazilians. Her determination and diligence on the court make her admired by Brazilian tennis fans.


Gabriel Medina: Wave After Wave

Gabriel Medina was born on December 22, 1993, in the right place: São Sebastião, a city by the ocean, with plenty of waves. He burst onto the surfing scene in 2014, the winner of the World Surf League.

Surfer Gabriel Medina walking out of the sea.

The 29-year-old has an abundance of skills and doesn’t seem to be frightened by the big waves, while performing daring aerial tricks.



He also has a double, though not an “official” one. His lookalike is João Pistelli, a football player from Santos FC’s Academy Team. The similarities are not just physical. João likes surfing too, although he’s not as good or as famous as the original Medina.

JoĂŁo Pistelli, soccer player.

In a nutshell, Brazilian athletes are well recognized for their talents and abilities in different areas, bringing to the world unique styles and expertise. These are just some of the athletes currently in the spotlight, but if you look further, you will find many others who are also bright and talented.


Now that you’re familiar with some of these inspiring athletes, why not help the world learn about their accomplishments? Or perhaps you’re in need of a lookalike for a visual reference, or your next project focusing on celebrity lookalikes.


Whatever your next project may be, Story Productions is very experienced in
talent curation and acquisition, and can help you book your casting needs. We look forward to finding the best solution to help you tell your next story. Contact us!

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