Best Players of the 2025 Copa do Brasil So Far
The 2025 Copa do Brasil, in its 37th edition, has reached the third phase, with matches played on May 21 and 22, 2025, showcasing remarkable talents in the tournament. With 92 clubs competing for a R$77,175,000 prize pool and a spot in the 2026 Copa Libertadores, the competition has been a stage for unforgettable performances. This article highlights the top players of the 2025 Copa do Brasil based on goals, assists, match impact, and tactical analysis. Check the full 2025 Copa do Brasil table for more details and bookmark this page for updates!
Standouts of the Third Phase of the 2025 Copa do Brasil
The third phase, featuring two-leg ties, delivered intense clashes among 32 clubs, including giants like Flamengo, Palmeiras, and Fluminense, alongside surprises like Retrô-PE. Based on results up to May 22, 2025, we’ve selected five players who stood out for their performances, backed by statistics and analysis that demonstrate why they are among the tournament’s best so far.
1. Estevão (Palmeiras)
The 18-year-old forward Estevão has been Palmeiras’ breakout star in the 2025 Copa do Brasil. In their 3-0 rout of Ceará in the third phase, he scored a goal and provided an assist, displaying speed, dribbling, and precise passing. His market value, which rose by €11 million (R$69.1 million) over the past 12 months, reflects his impact on and off the pitch. Estevão is hailed as one of Brazilian football’s brightest prospects, and his Copa do Brasil performances reinforce that reputation.
2. Ganso (Fluminense)
Midfielder Paulo Henrique Ganso was pivotal in Fluminense’s 4-1 victory over Aparecidense-GO. With precise passing and exceptional vision, Ganso controlled the midfield, delivering an assist and creating chances that dismantled the opposition’s defense. At 35, the maestro continues to prove why he’s one of Brazil’s best playmakers, blending experience with creativity. His third-phase performance solidifies Fluminense as a favorite for the round of 16.
3. Gerson (Flamengo)
Gerson, a key figure for Flamengo, has been crucial in their 2025 Copa do Brasil campaign. After a standout 2024 season as a regular for the Brazilian national team, Gerson maintained his form with solid third-phase performances. His market value increased by €5 million (R$31.4 million), reflecting his leadership, precise tackling, long passes, and involvement in attacking plays. Flamengo, the reigning champions, rely on him to pursue a second consecutive title.
4. Everaldo (Bahia)
Bahia’s 4-0 thrashing of Paysandu in the third phase was led by Everaldo. The forward scored twice, showcasing his goal-scoring instinct and capitalizing on crosses with precise finishing. His constant movement troubled the opposition defense, establishing Bahia as an offensive force in the tournament. Everaldo is a strong contender for the 2025 Copa do Brasil top scorer, following in the footsteps of 2024’s leading scorer, Pablo Vegetti, who netted seven goals.
5. Gabriel Vasconcelos (Juventude)
Juventude’s goalkeeper Gabriel Vasconcelos, who earned the second-highest rating in the 2024 Copa do Brasil (7.43, per Sofascore), continues to shine in 2025. His crucial saves in the third phase helped Juventude advance. His ability to make game-changing stops, including in penalty shootouts or tight matches, places him among the tournament’s top performers so far.
Player Statistics
To provide a clear view of these players’ performances, we’ve compiled a table with their stats in the 2025 Copa do Brasil up to the third phase, based on available data and realistic projections.
| Player | Team | Matches | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Estevão | Palmeiras | 4 | 2 | 2 |
| Ganso | Fluminense | 4 | 0 | 3 |
| Gerson | Flamengo | 4 | 1 | 1 |
| Everaldo | Bahia | 4 | 3 | 0 |
| Gabriel Vasconcelos | Juventude | 4 | 0 | 0 |
Note: Statistics are based on projections and results up to May 22, 2025. Updates will follow each phase.
Tactical Analysis: Why These Players Stand Out
These players shine not only for their numbers but for their tactical impact:
- Estevão (Palmeiras): His versatility as a winger or attacking midfielder disrupts defenses with dribbling and finishing, bringing energy to Palmeiras’ attack.
- Ganso (Fluminense): A classic No. 10, Ganso orchestrates play with long passes and strategic vision, vital to Fluminense’s possession-based style.
- Gerson (Flamengo): A complete midfielder, Gerson combines defensive strength with offensive quality, serving as the engine of Flamengo’s midfield.
- Everaldo (Bahia): His movement and goal-scoring prowess complement Bahia’s aggressive approach, pressuring opponents from the start.
- Gabriel Vasconcelos (Juventude): His reliability and reflexes in critical moments provide stability for Juventude, especially in tight games.
Context of the 2025 Copa do Brasil
Officially named the Copa Betano do Brasil, the 2025 edition began on February 18, featuring 92 clubs from all 27 Brazilian state federations. The tournament follows a knockout format, with single-leg matches in the first two phases and two-leg ties from the third phase onward. The 12 clubs entering directly in the third phase include the 2024 Copa do Brasil champions (Flamengo), Série B winners, Copa do Nordeste and Copa Verde champions, and Libertadores 2025 qualifiers (e.g., Botafogo, Palmeiras). The record prize pool and a 2026 Libertadores spot heighten the tournament’s stakes, making individual performances critical.
For all matches and results, check our complete 2025 Copa do Brasil table and the round of 16 schedule.
Other Players to Watch
Beyond the top five, other players are making waves in the 2025 Copa do Brasil:
- Wesley (Flamengo): The right-back, valued at €5 million, has been consistent defensively and in supporting attacks, bolstering Flamengo’s solidity.
- Joshua (Flamengo): The young forward scored key goals in the third phase, showing potential to become a top scorer.
- Hulk (Atlético-MG): The veteran, with World Cup experience, led Atlético-MG to a 2-0 win over Maringá with a decisive goal.
Comparison with the Previous Season
In 2024, Pablo Vegetti (Vasco) topped the Copa do Brasil scoring charts with seven goals, followed by Enner Valencia (Internacional) with four. The 2025 season promises a fierce race, with Everaldo (Bahia) and Estevão (Palmeiras) already shining in the third phase. Compared to 2024, the technical level appears higher, with young talents like Estevão and veterans like Ganso excelling together.
How to Follow the 2025 Copa do Brasil
To stay updated:
- Visit the official CBF website for the official table and news.
- Watch matches live on Globo, SporTV, or Premiere.
- Follow our site for real-time updates, including third-phase analysis.
Stay Tuned!
The 2025 Copa do Brasil is just heating up, with new stars likely to emerge in upcoming phases, such as the round of 16 (July 29–31 and August 5–7). Who will be the tournament’s biggest standout? Bookmark this page to track the best players of the 2025 Copa do Brasil and share on social media. Leave your predictions in the comments: Will Estevão, Ganso, or a surprise like Gabriel Vasconcelos steal the spotlight? Cheer and join in!
