With the Cultures of Brazil Festival in MIA Park happening this weekend, it seemed only fitting to have a look at the current crop of players from Brazil who ply their trade in the Qatar Stars League (QSL).
 
This event is part of a yearlong cultural exchange programme that is soon to come to an end. The programme is dedicated to connecting people in the State of Qatar and the Republic of Brazil through culture, community, and of course sports. The MIA Park event has already started and will be on today and tomorrow (from 11am).
Brazilian footballers are considered some of the world’s best and a quick scan across the 14 QSL clubs reveals that Qatar too, has its fair share of Samba boys.
Just like in Brazil, Qatari’s are mad about the beautiful game and take any opportunity to have a kick about. Over the years the Brazilian players in the QSL have gone down a storm and their influence on Qatari football cannot be denied.
The Canarinho’s have even played a friendly match in Doha back in 2010 against Argentina in front of a packed crowd at the Khalifa International Stadium. The match ended in dramatic fashion 1-0 to Argentina courtesy of the little Flea in the 90th minute of the game.

The QSL has had a strong pedigree of Brazilian greats and this is something that the people of Qatar and of the League itself take great pride in.

Past greats include:
Romario, Juninho Pernambucano, Sony Anderson, Clemerson de Araujo, Mango Alves, Zé Roberto, Cabore and Adriano Ferreira Martins, Márcio José Oliveira and many others.
 
Current Brazilian Stars in the QSL are:
Al Sadd                               Rodrigo Tabata, Muriqiui
Al Gharafa                          Nene
El Jaish                               Romarinho, Lucas Mendes,
Al Arabi                               Paulo Sérgio Betanin
Al Khor                                William Junior, Julio Cesar, Madson
Al Kharaitiyat                     Domingos
 
The Qatar Stars League recommences on the 29th of November so be sure to come check it out!