19 Most Popular Wrestling Players In Brazil of All Time

Liam Rooney

Brazil is home to some of the best professional wrestlers in the world. Many of these wrestlers have made a name for themselves in the world of professional wrestling, both in Brazil and abroad.

The country has produced some of the most successful and skilled wrestlers in the world, and many of them have gone on to become international stars.

This article will discuss some of the best professional wrestlers in Brazil, their accomplishments, and the impact they have had on the world of wrestling.

1. Ted Boy Marino

Mario Marino, otherwise known as Ted Boy Marino, was a prominent figure in the world of wrestling, fighting, and acting. He was born in Fuscaldo Marina, located in the Italian province of Cosenza in the region of Calabria.

In 1953, he left his home and embarked on a journey to Buenos Aires, Argentina, alongside his parents and five siblings. The trip was made in the basement of a ship, which further highlights the difficult circumstances of his family’s journey.

Despite the hardships faced in his early life, Marino was able to become a notable sportsperson and entertainer. He had a successful career in all three fields that he dedicated himself to.

2. Roberto Neves Filho

Roberto Cláudio Leitao Neves Filho is a Brazilian wrestler who has competed in two Olympic Games. He first competed at the 1988 Summer Olympics, followed by the 1992 Summer Olympics.

After his Olympic career, Roberto Cláudio Leitao Neves Filho went on to manage the American soccer team Atlanta SC from 2018 to 2019. He was responsible for overseeing the team and helping them to reach their goals.

During his time with the team, he worked hard to ensure that all of the players were performing to the best of their abilities. He was also in charge of recruiting new players and making sure that the team was able to recruit the best talent from around the world.

Roberto Cláudio Leitao Neves Filho was a successful manager who helped the team reach their potential and make a name for themselves.

3. Floriano Spiess

Floriano Spiess is a Brazilian athlete who was born in 1965. He is primarily known for his achievements in the sport of wrestling. During his career, he competed in the 1988 Summer Olympics, where he participated in two events.

His first event was the Men’s Freestyle 74 kg, which he did not medal in. His second event was the Men’s Greco-Roman 74 kg, which he also did not medal in. Despite not achieving any medals, Spiess is still remembered as an important figure in the world of Brazilian wrestling.

He is a respected figure in his home country and was awarded the Order of Merit by the Brazilian government in 2005. He is seen as an inspiration to those who want to pursue a career in wrestling, especially in Brazil.

4. Rosângela Conceição

Rosângela Conceição, better known as Zanza, is a former professional athlete who has achieved a great deal of success across multiple disciplines. She is a former freestyle wrestling, judo, grappling and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competitor from Brazil.

Her impressive career saw her become the first Brazilian woman to compete in Olympic wrestling at the 2008 Olympic Games, as well as the first woman to win a BJJ world title.

Zanza has had an impressive career, and her accomplishments have made her an inspiration to many female athletes. She has always been a fierce competitor, and her determination and hard work have paid off.

She has shown that anything is possible, and her achievements are a testament to her dedication and talent. Her success has also opened up more opportunities for women in the world of sports. Zanza’s journey to success has been one of determination and resilience.

She has faced a number of obstacles throughout her career, but she has always persevered and kept on pushing forward. She has become an inspiration to many, and her determination is something that will continue to inspire generations of athletes to come.

Rosângela Conceição has truly made a lasting impression in the world of sports, and her legacy will continue to live on.

5. Cezar Bononi

Cezar_Bononi__5

Cezar Bononi is a professional wrestler from Brazil who is currently signed to All Elite Wrestling. He also had a successful run in the WWE NXT from October 2015 to April 2020. Bononi is known for his hard-hitting style of wrestling and his explosive moves.

He has been a prominent figure in the Brazilian wrestling scene for several years. His journey to the WWE began in 2015 when he signed with the company and made his debut on NXT. He quickly became a fan favorite with his high-octane performances and intense matches.

During his time in NXT, he had several feuds with top talent such as Bobby Roode, Andrade “Cien” Almas and Tyler Breeze. Bononi also held the NXT Tag Team titles with Raul Mendoza. After leaving NXT in April 2020, Bononi joined All Elite Wrestling.

Since then, he has continued to make waves in the wrestling world with his impressive performances. He is an exciting wrestler that has the potential to become a top star in the industry.

6. Kafu

Kafu__6

Victor Ceron is a veteran of the professional wrestling world. He is a Brazilian retired wrestler who has left his mark in the industry. After retiring, he has taken on a new role as a wrestling trainer for independent companies in San Jose, California.

He is helping to shape the future of professional wrestling by teaching and training the next generation of wrestlers in the area. His expertise and experience are invaluable to the development of up-and-coming wrestlers in the area.

He has a wealth of knowledge and experience that can help guide them as they make their way in the world of professional wrestling. Ceron is a shining example of how one can move on from being an active wrestler to become a leader in the field.

He is proof that retirement does not mean the end of a career in professional wrestling, but rather a new beginning.

7. Roberto Firmino

Roberto Firmino is a Brazilian professional footballer who has been playing for many years.

He currently plays as a forward or attacking midfielder for Saudi Pro League club Al-Ahli, which he captains, and the Brazil national team. Firmino began his career with Figueirense in 2009 and spent four-and-a-half seasons with 1899 Hoffenheim, rising through the ranks and making a name for himself in the football world.

During his time at Hoffenheim, he scored 38 goals in 140 appearances and helped the club to win their first major trophy in 2020.

He also had a brief spell with English Premier League club Liverpool, where he scored 75 goals in 229 appearances. Firmino is a highly talented player and has been praised for his technical ability, creativity, and work rate.

He is known for his ability to create chances for his teammates and score goals, and he is often used as a false nine or a playmaker.

He is also a versatile player, being able to play on the left, right, or in the center of the pitch. Overall, Roberto Firmino is an established footballer with an impressive career that has seen him play for some of the biggest clubs in the world.

He is highly respected and admired for his technical ability, work rate, and ability to create chances for his teammates.

8. Rafaela Silva

Rafaela Lopes Silva is a Brazilian judoka who has achieved great success in the sport. She has won gold medals at the World Judo Championships in 2013 and 2022, and also at the 2016 Summer Olympics.

Silva competed in the -57 kg weight division, demonstrating her exceptional skill and strength in the sport. Her impressive resume is a testament to her hard work and dedication to judo.

She is an inspiration to many, showing that anything is possible with enough effort and determination. Silva is a true champion, with a remarkable track record of success in the sport.

9. Raquel

Gabriela Castrovinci is an impressive multi-talented woman. She is a Brazilian professional wrestler, professional wrestling valet, businesswoman and fitness model. She is best known for her time spent in Total Nonstop Action Wrestling, where she went by the ring name Raquel.

Before that, she appeared on the sixth season of WWE’s television show WWE Tough Enough. In her time as a professional wrestler, Castrovinci has made quite the name for herself.

She has competed in various matches, including tag team and triple threat matches, and has won numerous titles. She is also well known for her incredible work as a professional wrestling valet.

She is often seen by the side of wrestlers, helping them to prepare for upcoming matches and providing them with her insight and experience. In addition to her wrestling career, Castrovinci is also a successful businesswoman and fitness model.

She has her own fitness brand, which is highly sought after by many people in the industry. She also has her own clothing line and is often seen in various magazine and media appearances. Overall, Gabriela Castrovinci is an impressive woman.

With her success in the wrestling industry, her work as a professional wrestling valet, and her success as a businesswoman and fitness model, she has proven that she is truly talented and dedicated to her craft.

10. Giant Silva

Giant_Silva__11

Paulo César da Silva is a notable athlete who has experienced success in multiple sports. He was part of the Brazilian national basketball team before making the transition to mixed martial arts and professional wrestling.

Silva is known by his ring name Giant Silva and his impressive physical stature makes him stand out from the crowd. He stands at an impressive 2.18 meters tall and weighs a significant 175 kilograms.

Despite his intimidating physical presence, Silva is a highly talented and respected athlete who has competed at the highest levels in his respective sports.

11. Daniel Gracie

Daniel_Gracie__12

Daniel Simões, also known by his professional name Daniel Gracie, is a former mixed martial artist, professional wrestler, and practitioner of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

He is originally from Brazil and is part of the famous Gracie family, which is renowned for its martial arts prowess. He is related to some of the most noteworthy members of the Gracie family, such as Renzo Gracie, Ralph Gracie, Charles Gracie, and Ryan Gracie.

Daniel Gracie has a long history with martial arts. He has competed in numerous mixed martial arts tournaments, including the UFC, and held a professional record of 3-3. He has also competed in several professional wrestling tournaments, winning multiple championships.

He is also a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu and has been teaching the martial art for many years. In addition to his martial arts career, Daniel Gracie is an accomplished author.

He has written multiple books on the subject of martial arts, including “Gracie Submission Grappling” and “Gracie Jiu-Jitsu The Master Text.” He has also written articles for several martial arts magazines and has been featured in documentaries about the Gracie family.

Daniel Gracie is a true martial arts master and a respected member of the Gracie family. He has achieved success in both mixed martial arts and professional wrestling and has become an influential teacher of Brazilian jiu-jitsu.

He is a living example of the Gracie legacy and a testament to the power of martial arts.

12. Rolles Gracie Jr.

Rolles Gracie is a well-known martial artist and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner. He is a member of the prestigious Gracie family, a renowned martial arts family that has been practicing for generations.

Rolles is the son of Rolls Gracie, a third-generation martial arts member of the family, and has achieved a 5th-degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Not only is Rolles a master martial artist, he is also a professional mixed martial artist and professional wrestler.

His impressive skills in the ring make him a well-respected figure in the martial arts community. He has trained extensively in a variety of martial arts styles, and his knowledge and experience make him a formidable opponent in any fight.

13. Laís Nunes

Laís Nunes de Oliveira is a successful Brazilian freestyle wrestler who has represented her country at two Olympic Games. At the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, she competed in the women’s freestyle 63 kg event.

However, she was eliminated in the round of 32 by Hafize Şahin. Four years later, Nunes de Oliveira returned to the Olympic stage at the 2020 Summer Olympics. This time, she competed in the women’s freestyle 62 kg event, showing her versatility as an athlete.

Overall, Laís Nunes de Oliveira is a talented freestyle wrestler who has had the opportunity to represent Brazil on the world’s biggest stage.

14. Gilda Maria De Oliveira

Gilda Oliveira is a Brazilian freestyle wrestler who made her Olympic debut at the 2016 Summer Games in Rio de Janeiro. Competing in the women’s freestyle 69 kg division, Oliveira was one of the first Brazilian women to ever compete in freestyle wrestling at the Olympics.

She is a significant figure in the history of Brazilian wrestling, not only for her athletic achievements but also for her work inspiring young women to take up the sport. Oliveira had already established a successful career prior to the Olympics, having won multiple national and international championships.

She was one of the favorites to medal in the 2016 games but ultimately finished in 8th place. Despite this, her historic appearance in the Olympic Games was an important milestone for Brazilian wrestling.

It showed the world that Brazilian athletes could compete in this sport at the highest level, and inspired many young girls to follow in her footsteps. Since her Olympic appearance, Oliveira has continued to be a leader in Brazilian wrestling.

She has won several national and international titles and has remained actively involved in the development of the sport. She has been a vocal advocate for gender equality in wrestling and has worked to ensure that young women have the same opportunities as men.

She is an example of the amazing accomplishments that can be achieved through hard work and dedication, and she continues to serve as an inspiration to aspiring wrestlers in Brazil and around the world.

15. Eduard Soghomonyan

Eduard Soghomonyan is a Greco-Roman wrestler from Armenia who competed in the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Unfortunately, his Olympic bid was unsuccessful and he was eliminated in the first round.

However, he was determined to make up for his disappointing performance and went on to represent Brazil once again at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, Japan. This time he competed in the men’s 130 kg event, although the exact outcome of his performance is unknown.

Soghomonyan is an inspiring example of an athlete who never gave up on their dreams, and who worked hard to make them a reality.

16. Marcus Almeida

Marcus Vinícius Oliveira de Almeida is a Brazilian mixed martial artist and Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioner who is widely recognized by his nickname, Buchecha. He has achieved great success in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, earning the rank of 1st-degree black belt.

Buchecha has proven to be one of the most successful competitors in the sport, having won multiple world championships and medals, including two gold medals at the ADCC Submission Wrestling World Championship in 2011 and 2015.

He has also won multiple titles in the International Brazilian Jui-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) World Championship. In addition to his accomplishments in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, Buchecha has also had considerable success in mixed martial arts.

He has competed in the middleweight division in the ONE Championship and currently holds a professional MMA record of 17 wins and 2 losses. His commitment to excellence in both disciplines makes him a formidable opponent.

17. John Lineker

John_Lineker__18

John Lineker is an impressive athlete in the world of mixed martial arts. He is currently signed to ONE Championship, an international MMA organization, and is the former ONE Bantamweight World Champion.

Before his tenure with ONE Championship, Lineker was a competitor in the Bantamweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).

During his time in the UFC, he made a name for himself through his impressive performances and even set the record for most significant strikes landed in a fight.

Lineker’s success in the UFC earned him a spot in the ONE Championship, where he went on to become the former ONE Bantamweight World Champion. Lineker is an inspiring figure in the world of MMA, proving that hard work and dedication can lead to great success.

18. Joice Silva

Joice Souza da Silva is a world-renowned freestyle wrestler from Brazil. She is an accomplished athlete who has achieved great success in her sport. She has competed in the Olympic Games, the Pan American Games, and the World Championships.

She has also won the gold medal at the 2008 World Cup in freestyle wrestling. Souza da Silva is one of the most decorated female wrestlers in Brazilian history.

She has won numerous medals at the most prestigious international tournaments, including the Olympic Games, the Pan American Games, and the World Championships.

She also holds multiple national records in the sport, including the most medals won at a single Olympic Games. Souza da Silva is also a strong advocate for women in sports and is a role model for aspiring female wrestlers.

She is a member of the Brazilian Women’s Wrestling Association (ABW) and has spoken out in support of equal opportunity for women in sport.

She is the first Brazilian woman to ever win an Olympic medal in wrestling and has used this position to help promote female participation in wrestling. Souza da Silva is an inspiration to female athletes from all backgrounds.

Her success in the sport is a testament to her hard work and dedication. She is an example of what can be achieved when you set your mind to something and work hard to achieve it.

19. Anderson Silva

Anderson_Silva_(kickboxer)__20

Anderson Manoel da Silva, widely known as Anderson Braddock, is a prominent Brazilian kickboxer and mixed martial artist. He is well-known for competing in various kickboxing and mixed martial arts events, such as It’s Showtime, K-1, SUPERKOMBAT, ONE Championship, and GLORY.

Anderson Braddock’s skill in the ring has earned him worldwide recognition, and he was even ranked in the top ten heavyweights by Combat Press from September 2014 to April 2016. Anderson Braddock has a long history of success in the martial arts world.

He started training at the age of 13 and quickly rose to the top of the ranks. He has competed in numerous events, including the It’s Showtime, K-1, SUPERKOMBAT, ONE Championship, and GLORY.

Braddock is a skilled kickboxer and mixed martial artist, and his talent has earned him the respect of many in the industry. In addition to his success in the ring, Anderson Braddock is also a popular figure outside of the martial arts world.

He is an advocate for the development of Brazilian martial arts and is actively involved in promoting the sport.

He has also been featured in a number of movies, television shows, and documentaries. Anderson Braddock is a true martial arts master, and his years of experience have earned him the recognition of the world.

He has proven his worth as a fighter and continues to be an inspiration to many aspiring martial artists. His success in the ring and his passion for the sport make him a role model for all martial arts enthusiasts.

Conclusion

The best wrestling players in Brazil are those who have achieved the highest levels of success in their respective weight classes and have consistently demonstrated their skill and dedication to the sport.

These athletes have achieved international acclaim and have helped to develop Brazil as a powerhouse in the world of wrestling. As the sport continues to grow in popularity, it is likely that more athletes from Brazil will rise to the top and become global stars.

Photo of author

Liam Rooney

Recent Florida International University graduate with a passion for journalism and a focus on sports, especially in wrestling. Recognized with a 3rd place award in the Society of Professional Journalist's Green Eyeshade awards for outstanding coverage of FIU men's soccer. Experienced in local news, breaking stories, and community reporting from an internship at the Palm Beach Post. Hosted and produced a radio show, adept at creating video packages. Eager to embrace diverse journalistic opportunities beyond sports, bringing a versatile skill set and a relentless drive for excellence to the field.