Households hail Samba soccer stars

In Brazil, soccer is more than just a game; it's a way of life, a cultural emblem and a quasi-faith. All it takes is a few people, an open space and a simple ball to create a game.

This enthusiasm for the Brazilian team, also known as the Samba Stars, is also shared by Chinese fans. The king of Brazil's legendary players is the late Edson Arantes do Nascimento, better known as Pele, whose expertise led his country to three World Cup titles in 1958, 1962 and 1970, earning him wide admiration throughout China and indeed the world. Another Brazilian favorite among Chinese soccer fans is Kaka, whose skills won him the 2007 Ballon d'Or. Other Brazilian players who are household names in China include Neymar, Ronaldo and Ronaldinho.

Brazil's national team, nicknamed Five-Star Brazil for its five World Cup wins, holds a special place in the hearts of Chinese fans. Zhang Zhang, a Beijing tourist guide, said, "We've always had a deep affection for Five-Star Brazil. To us, they represent more than just passion and skill."

The 1970 Brazil team is often considered to be the greatest soccer team in history.

CR Flamengo, a popular club in Rio de Janeiro, has a large fan base and connects with Chinese soccer fans through an official Weibo account. Renato Augusto, a Brazilian footballer, spent five years with Beijing Guoan and now plays for Rio's Fluminense Football Club, further strengthening the strong bond between Chinese and Brazilian fans.