The Premier League scramble to be Brazil’s number nine

Pele. Ronaldo. Romario. Jairzinho. The list could go on.

Brazil has been blessed with great goalscorers throughout their footballing history, players who have fired them to a record five World Cup wins.

Now the race is on for the striker to lead their line at this summer’s tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

While the likes of Vinicius Jr, Rodrygo, Raphinha and Willian Estevao – even potentially the return of Neymar – provide exciting attacking options, the battle for the number nine shirt appears very much open.

And – with eight contenders playing in the Premier League – what happens in England over the coming months is likely to have a huge impact as Brazil bid to end their 24-year wait for the trophy.

Brentford’s Igor Thiago is the joint second top scorer in the Premier League with four goals, while Tottenham’s Richarlison has three and Chelsea’s Joao Pedro has netted twice.

Igor Jesus, meanwhile, has netted four times for Nottingham Forest in cup matches.

Richarlison and Pedro are the two most likely to be named in Brazil boss Carlo Ancelotti’s squad on Wednesday for their latest World Cup qualifiers on Wednesday.

Tottenham forward Richarlison, 28, has scored 20 goals in 52 caps for Brazil – only behind Neymar (79) among World Cup candidates.

He started their recent World Cup qualifier defeat by Bolivia – but was a substitute against Chile.

Joao Pedro, 24, will hope his summer move to Chelsea can launch his Brazil career.

This is his debut campaign in the Champions League after spells at Fluminense, Watford and Brighton.

Matheus Cunha, 26, will need a good season at Manchester United to seal a regular spot starting for Brazil.

Last season’s 17-goal haul for Wolves was the best of his career.

Bournemouth striker Evanilson, 25, has played just twice for Brazil so far – and is yet to score.

Nottingham Forest frontman Igor Jesus, 24, is another who is relying on taking the Premier League by storm to earn a Brazil spot.

He moved to England this summer from Botafogo in his homeland, having previously played in the United Arab Emirates.

He has netted four goals in his first two starts for Forest, against Swansea and Real Betis.

Can Gabriel Jesus get fit and stay fit?

The 28-year-old Arsenal forward has not played since January because of an anterior cruciate ligament injury.

He has scored 19 goals in 64 caps for Brazil and would certainly be on the plane if he can recover from injury and rediscover his form.

Fulham striker Rodrigo Muniz, 24, is yet to feature in a senior Brazil squad and is uncapped at any youth level.

Like Muniz, Brentford’s Igor Thiago is a London-based uncapped 24-year-old.

Thiago missed the majority of last season through injury – but has already scored five goals this season, including a double against Manchester United on Saturday.

Vitor Roque, 20, won his one and only Brazil cap back in 2023.

That was the summer he signed an eight-year deal with Barcelona.

Marcos Leonardo, 22, has made a big impact at Saudi club Al-Hilal.

He was the joint top scorer at the Fifa Club World Cup with four goals, including two in their win over Manchester City.

Real Madrid wonderkid Endrick, 19, will hope to be a big part of the Brazilian squad next summer.

He has scored three goals in 14 games for Brazil – including one against England when he became the youngest goalscorer at Wembley ever, aged 17.