How has Brazil managed to produce the sheer number of dazzling soccer players and great champions it has? After living in Brazil for almost two decades and attending ten consecutive World Cups in person, American writer Will Beebe gives his inside take on the secrets of samba soccer culture . Writing for a global audience of soccer fans, aspiring players, their parents and coaches, Beebe reveals the unique mindset, techniques, and training that led Brazil and its myriad outstanding players to the top of the soccer world. This book includes dozens of full-color photos showing Brazil’s star players in action, plus highlights of Will’s global travels to watch high-profile soccer matches on six continents. From the first time he saw Pelé live, strutting his stuff with the NY Cosmos, to his adventures as an English teacher in Japan alongside soccer giants Raí, Ruy Ramos, and Zico, Beebe dives into the profiles and memorable moments of 58 of Brazil's best stars, including The Top 10 To Watch. On a lighter note, he describes what it's like to live and play soccer in Brazil, and his own miscues and revelations on the culture, food, and language. "Reading Soccer Giants of Brazil is like sitting down at a bar and discovering the bright, well-spoken guy next to you is a lifelong obsessed fan of soccer, and a virtual walking encyclopedia of Brazil's beautiful game. Beebe has lived and played football in São Paulo for almost two decades and brings an insider's view to the game there. He also has a keen eye for history, character, and achievement in his depictions of the greatest players to have worn the canary yellow during Brazil's epic battles for the World Cup. I learned something new and interesting on every page." — Mark Sullivan, award-winning author of Beneath a Scarlet Sky "From the sandlots to the World Cup, Beebe's book captures the techniques, training, and tricks that make Brazil's players among the world's best. I want my two sons to read this book when their English improves!" — André Lima, Former Director, Nacional Atlético Clube "In this deeply personal work, Will Beebe opens his heart and soul to us all revealing his wonder and true love of the beautiful game as played by Brazilian greats over the decades. He offers profiles of 58 samba soccer standouts and takes readers inside the mind of a superfan. Read this book, and you can't escape becoming one of those fans." — Damian Slattery, Former CMO and reporter for Sports Illustrated "As a lifelong soccer fan born in Brazil, Beebe's book brought back great memories of my favorite all-time players—Kaká, Raí, Rivellino, Romário, Ronaldo, and Zico. It also covers the players my kids love now like Neymar and Vini Jr. I highly recommend this read!" — Ricardo Ferraz, Intel Brazil Director "Beebe's Soccer Giants of Brazil brings Brazilian soccer directly into your living room through the eyes of an American aficionado. With a gallery of classic photos, he elaborates on the Brazilian stars with wonderful insight into the players' journeys to become the world's top athletes. His perspective on the Brazilian lifestyle, culture, heritage, and their fervent passion for soccer is like no other American's. As a veteran coach, my mind was a kaleidoscope of soccer coming at me, with so many beautiful forms of the Brazilian game and its great achievements." — Gary Hunter, veteran soccer coach, Seattle " Soccer Giants of Brazil is fantastic. Reading about Brazil's soccer culture from a non-Brazilian perspective is amazing. Will is a foreigner who has lived in Brazil for many years: he offers a unique view of what makes the country and its star players great. I was born in Brazil, lived there until my mid 20s, and then had the chance to move abroad. I'd say that certain things only happen in the South American soccer environment, and Will's book nails it. This is a great way to get a taste of it." — Ayrton Santos, PwC Business Intelligence Analyst and member of SPFC's Dragões da Real fan club