Joaquim Jose da Silva Xavier
Born in 1792 on a farm near the village of Santa Rita do Rio Abaixo in Minas Gerais, Joaquim Jose da Silva Xavier was a leading figure in the Inconfidência Mineira movement that sought to liberate Brazil from Portuguese colonial rule and establish an independent republic. He witnessed first-hand the Portuguese exploitation of the land and people, inspiring him to participate in the conspiracy to declare independence for which he was ultimately hanged by the Portuguese
Don Pedro II
– Born in 1825 in Rio de Janeiro, Pedro II was Brazil’s last emperor before the country became a republic. After his father’s abdication in 1831, Pedro II became Emperor of Brazil at the age of just five. Under Pedro II’s rule, Brazil became an economic power, civil liberties were guaranteed, and slavery was abolished. This led to Pedro II becoming hugely popular amongst Brazilians, even after he was ousted by a coup d’état in 1889.
Pele
Born in 1940 in Minas Gerais, Pele is possibly the most famous Brazilian of all time, not to mention widely considered to be the greatest footballer of all time. Pele began his professional career at 15 years old at Santos, a team he remained at for 18 years. But Pele will be most remembered for his performances on the international stage, helping Brazil win three World Cups and cementing his country’s place as one of the greatest national teams in history.
Paulo Coelho
– Born in 1947 in Rio de Janeiro, Coelho is perhaps one of Brazil’s most famous writers, especially for his novel The Alchemist, which follows a young shepherd on his dreamlike journey from Andalucía to the pyramids of Egypt. Before committing himself to writing, he had been arrested by the military government for writing “subversive” left-wing songs and had received a spiritual awakening while walking the 500-mile St James’ Way in northern Spain
Ayrton Senna
– Born in 1960 in São Paulo, Ayrton Senna was one of the greatest Formula One drivers of all time. Senna’s first F1 race was on home territory in the 1984 Brazilian Grand Prix, although he would be forced to retire from the race early. His first win came only a year later at the Portuguese Grand Prix, and his first of three World Championships came in 1988. Senna tragically lost his life in a crash while leading in the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix.
Royce Gracie
Born in 1966 in Rio de Janeiro, Royce Gracie was one of the most influential figures in the development of modern mixed martial arts (MMA). Gracie’s father, Hélio Gracie, was one of the founders of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, a martial art based around controlling an opponent and taking them to the ground before attempting to force them into submission via joint locks and chokeholds. Royce was the man who took this style to the world stage, winning the first and second UFC titles