Brazil is well-known for producing outstanding and well-known international football players. In recent years though, more veteran players have gained pace on the promising new stars. As a result, the average age of the top four (4) teams in the Brasileirão is now higher than that of any other major league in the world.
Hulk, who won the 2021 Brasileirão and received awards, was the season’s standout player at 35 years old.
In fact, champions Atlético-MG, with an average age of 29 years, bet on the veterans to win the bi-championship. Other teams are taking the same approach, relying on more experienced players.
Average age of the Top Four of Brasileirão is the highest among the main leagues
When compared to other leagues around the world, the Brazilian Championship has the highest average age among the top four clubs. Flamengo, with a 30-year average, and Atlético-MG, with a 29-year average, both contributed to these statistics.
On average, the numbers are higher than in Spain and Mexico, which are known for housing experienced players or players who have previously made a name for themselves on the European stage.
Tite called up players over 30 years olds like Edenilson, Éverton Ribeiro, and Hulk to the Brazilian team, ignoring younger players like Antony and Vincius Junior who are enjoying a fantastic season.
Average age of the Top 4 of the main national leagues* | |
|---|---|
| Brasil (Brazilian Championship) | 29,25 |
| Espanha (La Liga) | 28,5 |
| México (Liga MX) | 28,5 |
| Itália (Serie A) | 28 |
| Inglaterra (Premier League) | 27,75 |
| Argentina (Super League) | 27,25 |
| Portugal (First League) | 26,75 |
| França (Ligue 1) | 26 |
Veterans stand out in Brasileirão
Veteran players dominated the Brasileirão in 2021. Hulk was signed at the start of the year, and ended up becoming the season’s best player and top scorer, despite the fact he is 35 years old.
Diego Costa (33), Keno (32), Mariano (35) and Nacho Fernández (31) are other important Atlético-MG players who were also part of this season’s victorious campaign.
Flamengo in second place, who mesmerized the world in 2019, also maintained a strong base of experienced players. Bruno Henrique (30), Everton Ribeiro (32), Filipe Luiz (36), and Diego Alves are just a few examples (36).
This “age” is exemplified by the Brasileirão team, which is dominated by Atlético-MG and Palmeiras. Michael (25 years old) was the youngest name on the list, and he went from being a debated player to one of the red-black team’s big performer this season.
Clubs bet on old idols
Bringing back players having a history to the club has become standard procedure in Brazilian football. This season, Corinthians brought back Renato Augusto and Willian, as well as Giuliano, who had played for Internacional and Grêmio.
Douglas Costa was named one of the most crucial signings of 2021 by Grêmio, who had been relegated to Serie B. However, injuries prevented the former Brazilian national team star from making an impact on the Tricolor.
Internacional, a rival, followed suit and recruited Taison, the Libertadores and Sudamericana champion. Although the number ten shone out at times, he was unable to garner a huge following in Diego Aguirre’s squad.
Revelations without space in Brazilian football?
Brazil’s status as a hotbed of exceptional talent has not waned. The competition, however, was dominated by more experienced players who had spent time in Europe, and the younger players did not fare well.
However, all hope is not lost; there are a few outliers that demonstrate that young talent can thrive. André, a Fluminense midfielder, was named the 2021 Brazilian Championship’s biggest surprise. Along with Atlético-MG midfielder Matas Zaracho, the player was one of the good surprises at the age of 20.
Red Bull Bragantino, on the other hand, has chosen to pursue a strategy of acquiring young players who can be sold in the future. After spending over R$150 million on players, Massa Bruta have secured a spot in the Libertadores 2022 group stage.
Claudinho was sold to Zenit-RUS during the season, and Artur took over at the age of 23, being the season’s standout performer. Players under the age of 21 were fielded by Sao Paulo, but not necessarily from their base category.
Finally, other clubs with large base contributions like as Corinthians and Santos, are deserving of inclusion. Last season, defender Joao Victor and midfielder Gabriel Pirani were two noteworthy performers, but the youth can earn more playing time and become more than just a backup option in the coming years even if they are desperately needed in Brazilian football!
