Brazil

“Robinho” Robson de Souza Premier Cup: Santos 1999

Born in Sao Vicente in 1984 Robinho’s prodigious talents were spotted early in life and he signed his first contract with a local football academy at just six years-of-age. At the age of nine, he scored 73 goals in one season of futsal.

He joined Santos’ Youth Programme under Brazilian football legend Pelé, and made his professional debut for the club at just 16 years-of-age. Robinho helped Santos to two Brazilian championships before joining Real Madrid in 2005, the same year he added the FIFA Confederations Cup to his list of honours.

His shock £32.5m transfer to Manchester City ahead of his expected move to Chelsea in September 2008 set a new British record. Robinho scored on his debut — against Chelsea — and added his first hat-trick for the club just weeks later.

On the international stage, Robinho has represented his country since he was just 19 years of age. He was voted Tournament MVP as member of the 2007 Brazil squad that stunned bitter rivals Argentina 3-0 to secure their eighth Copa America title. His hat trick in the 3-0 win against Chile also secured the award as Top Scorer.

Rafael and Fabio Da Silva Premier Cup: Fluminense 2005

Twins Rafael and Fabio were born in 1990 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Talented defenders with a burning desire to play, they proved an impressive combination for Fluminense at the MUPC World Finals in Hong Kong and helped their team secure the World title. Manchester United and Fluminense agreed a deal and, by January 2008, the “Brazilian Nevilles” arrived in Manchester. The twins made their United debut in August 2008 against Peterborough.

Rafael has since been a regular either on the bench or in the starting line-up, and scored his first goal for the club against Arsenal in a 2-1 defeat at the Emirates Stadium. He has constantly impressed with his skill to surge forwards past defenders, as well as his strength in shielding the ball.

A shoulder injury limited Fabio’s early opportunities for first team play, but he has demonstrated the same passion and talent as his brother.

Both Rafael and Fabio have represented their country at U-17. Fabio captained the team and earned the title of top scorer in the U-17 World Cup Finals in Korea in 2007.

“Diego” Ribas da Cunha Premier Cup: Santos 2000

Team-mate to Robinho at Santos, Diego was enticed by FC Porto to the Superliga where he helped his club win three titles in four years. After a successful season with Werder Bremen, Diego was voted Bundesliga player of the year in 2007. Diego turns out regularly for Brazil and was a member of the Olympic team to secure third place in Beijing.

“Rubinho” Rubens Fernando Moedin Premier Cup: SC Corinthians 1997

Rubinho progressed to the senior team before moving to Italian side Genoa and regularly represents his country.

Douglas “Maicon” Sisenando Premier Cup: Cruzeiro 1997

“Maicon” spent two successful seasons with Cruzeiro before moving to AS Monaco and then on to experience Italy’s Serie ‘A’ and Champions League football with Inter Milan.

A regular for the national team, he made his full International debut alongside “Diego” and “Robinho” in July 2003.

Marcos Roberto da Silva Barbosa Premier Cup: SC Corinthians 1997

“Marquinhos” progressed to the senior team at Corinthians, playing alongside Carlos Tévez before moving to French Club St Etienne. He currently plays in the Turkish Süper Ligi for Istanbul BB.