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Samba Gold
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Key Information
The "Samba Gold" (Samba d'Or) is a football award given to the best Brazilian footballer in Europe, as awarded by Sambafoot. The inaugural award was made in 2008. The Samba Gold is determined by three voter panels: journalists, fellow footballers and votes from Sambafoot's online readers. In 2021, a women's award was added for the first time, the women's award is given to the best Brazilian footballer in Brazil or abroad. An award for players aged 20 and under was added in 2022.
History
[edit]- In 2008, the inaugural winner was Milan midfielder Kaká. Manchester City's Robinho and Sevilla's Luís Fabiano placed second and third in voting, respectively. There were thirty nominations, and voting took place from 1 to 30 December. Kaká obtained 25.03% of the vote, with 14.34% for Robinho and 13.65% for Fabiano.[1]
- In 2009, Luís Fabiano (20.91%) of Sevilla won the trophy, ahead of Júlio César (17.58%) and Kaká (16.35%).[2]
- In 2010, the prize was awarded to Maicon (12.60%) from Inter Milan, ahead of Hernanes (10.76%) and Thiago Silva (9.56%).[3][4]
- In 2011, Milan defender Thiago Silva (16.33%) won the award, ahead of Dani Alves from Barcelona (15.56%) and Hulk from Porto (14.41%).[5][6]
- In 2012, the list of thirty candidates was announced on 26 November.[7][8] Paris Saint-Germain defender Thiago Silva (17.70%) was awarded the 2012 Samba Gold on 31 December, edging out Ramires (17.04%) and Willian (10.19%).[9]
- In 2013, Thiago Silva won for a third consecutive year, beating out Dante in second and Oscar in third.[10]
- In 2014, Neymar won the award for the first time, receiving a record percentage of votes (29.20%).[11]
- In 2015, Neymar won the award for a second consecutive year, surpassing the record percentage of votes he received the year prior (37.87%).[12]
- In 2016, Philippe Coutinho won the award for the first time, ending Neymar's two year reign.[13]
- In 2017, Neymar won the award for the third time in four years.[14]
- In 2018, Roberto Firmino won the award for the first time.[15]
- In 2019, Alisson won the award for the first time, becoming the first goalkeeper to win the award.[16]
- In 2020, Neymar won the award for a record fourth time.[17]
- In 2021, Neymar won the award for a second consecutive and record-extending fifth time.[18] Giovana Queiroz won the inaugural women's award.[19]
- In 2022, Neymar won the award for a third consecutive and record-extending sixth time.[20] Debinha won the women's award,[21] while Endrick was voted winner of the inaugural under-20 award.[22]
- In 2023, Vinícius Júnior won the award for the first time, ending Neymar's three year reign.[23] Tamires won the women's award,[24] while Marcos Leonardo won the under-20 award.[25]
Winners
[edit]Men's football
[edit]Source:[26]
Women's football
[edit]| Year | First | Club(s) | Percent | Second | Club(s) | Percent | Third | Club(s) | Percent |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Giovana Queiroz | 31.13% | Ludmila | 14.45% | Gabi Nunes | 8.81% | |||
| 2022 | Debinha | 15.59% | Giovana Queiroz | 10.08% | Geyse | ||||
| 2023 | Tamires | Bia Zaneratto | Debinha | ||||||
| 2024 | Tamires | Gabi Portilho | Ludmila |
Under-20
[edit]| Year | First | Club(s) | Percent | Second | Club(s) | Percent | Third | Club(s) | Percent |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Endrick | 28.39% | Matheus França | 10.75% | Vitor Roque | 10.13% | |||
| 2023 | Marcos Leonardo | Vitor Roque | Endrick | ||||||
| 2024 | Wesley Gassova | Beraldo | Endrick |
References
[edit]- ^ "2008 Samba Gold results". Sambafoot. 31 December 2008.
- ^ "2009 Samba Gold Results". Sambafoot. 13 January 2010.
- ^ "2010 Samba Gold Results". Sambafoot. 31 December 2010.
- ^ "Maicon wins Samba d'Or 2010". Inter Milan. 4 February 2011. Archived from the original on 12 October 2012. Retrieved 1 January 2012.
- ^ "Thiago Silva: Winner of the Samba Gold trophy 2011". Sambafoot. 31 December 2011.
- ^ "Samba Gold: The Results". Sambafoot. 31 December 2011.
- ^ "The Samba Gold Trophy 2012: The 30 nominees". Sambafoot. 26 November 2012.
- ^ "Who will win the Samba Gold 2012?". Sambafoot. 24 December 2012.
- ^ "Thiago Silva retains the Samba Gold Trophy 2012". Sambafoot. 31 December 2012.
- ^ "Thiago Silva is the 2013 Samba Gold Winner". Sambafoot. 2 January 2014.
- ^ "Neymar wins his first Samba Gold". Sambafoot. 31 December 2014.
- ^ "Neymar wins the Samba Gold for the second consecutive year!". Sambafoot. 31 December 2015.
- ^ Stillman, Tim (31 December 2016). "Philippe Coutinho wins the Samba Gold 2016". Sambafoot. Retrieved 31 December 2016.
- ^ Fausser, Frédéric (1 January 2018). "Neymar wins the 2017 Samba Gold". Sambafoot. Retrieved 1 January 2018.
- ^ Fausser, Frédéric (3 January 2019). "Roberto Firmino wins the 2018 Samba Gold". Sambafoot. Retrieved 3 January 2019.
- ^ Fausser, Frédéric (2 January 2020). "Alisson wins the 2019 Samba d'Or Award". Sambafoot. Retrieved 2 January 2020.
- ^ Kolade, Daniel (7 May 2021). "Neymar wins the Samba Gold Award for the fourth time". Sambafoot. Retrieved 7 May 2021.
- ^ Kolade, Daniel (2 February 2022). "Neymar is the big winner of the Samba Gold Trophy 2021". Sambafoot. Retrieved 2 February 2022.
- ^ Kolade, Daniel (2 February 2022). "Giovana Queiroz is the big winner of the Samba Gold Women's Trophy 2021". Sambafoot. Retrieved 11 April 2022.
- ^ Seixas, Josué (8 February 2023). "Neymar is the winner of the 2022 Samba Gold Trophy; player wins the award for the 6th time". Sambafoot. Retrieved 8 February 2023.
- ^ Seixas, Josué (8 February 2023). "Debinha wins the Samba Gold Women's Trophy 2022; see partials". Sambafoot. Retrieved 8 February 2023.
- ^ Seixas, Josué (8 February 2023). "Endrick wins 2022 Samba Gold Sub-20 Trophy; see partials". Sambafoot. Retrieved 8 February 2023.
- ^ Efe-Khaese, Desmond (24 November 2023). "Vinicius Junior is the winner of the 2023 Samba Gold Award". Sambafoot. Retrieved 24 November 2023.
- ^ Efe-Khaese, Desmond (24 November 2023). "Left-back Tamires is the winner of the 2023 Samba Gold Award". Sambafoot. Retrieved 24 November 2023.
- ^ Efe-Khaese, Desmond (24 November 2023). "Forward Marcos Leonardo is the winner of the 2023 Samba Gold Award among U20 players". Sambafoot. Retrieved 24 November 2023.
- ^ "Samba Gold". Sambafoot. Retrieved 18 January 2021.
Samba Gold
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Overview
Establishment and Purpose
The Samba Gold award, also known as the Samba d'Or, was established in 2008 by Samba Agency, a French-based media platform that later rebranded as Sambafoot, specializing in coverage of Brazilian footballers competing abroad.[1] Founded to celebrate the global influence of Brazilian talent, the award specifically recognizes outstanding performances by Brazilian players outside their home country, evaluating factors such as individual achievements, team contributions, and overall impact on the game.[1] This initiative aimed to highlight the unique Brazilian approach to football, often characterized by its rhythmic, skillful, and expressive "samba" style, thereby promoting cultural pride in expatriate athletes who export these qualities to international leagues.[1] The name "Samba Gold" (or "Samba d'Or" in French) draws directly from the prestigious Ballon d'Or, adapting it to evoke the flair and artistry synonymous with Brazilian soccer, much like the dance-inspired term "samba" that has long symbolized the nation's footballing identity.[1] Initially, the award focused exclusively on senior men's players, with the inaugural edition honoring AC Milan midfielder Kaká for his performances in 2008.[1] Over time, its scope broadened to encompass women's and under-20 categories, reflecting the growing prominence of Brazilian female and youth talents on the world stage, while also extending eligibility beyond Europe to players across all continents starting in 2021.[1] This evolution underscores the award's commitment to comprehensively honoring Brazilian excellence in professional football abroad.Categories and Eligibility
The Samba Gold award recognizes outstanding Brazilian football talent through three primary categories: men's senior, women's senior, and under-20. The men's category, established in 2008, honors the top Brazilian male player performing outside Brazil during the calendar year, with no explicit upper age limit but typically featuring established professionals in major leagues.[3] The women's category, introduced in 2021 to highlight female excellence amid the sport's growing global prominence, similarly awards the leading Brazilian woman playing abroad, focusing on contributions in competitive environments like European women's leagues.[2] The under-20 category, added in 2022, targets promising youth players aged 19 or younger, emphasizing potential demonstrated in youth academies, second teams, or early senior appearances outside Brazil.[5] Eligibility across all categories requires Brazilian nationality and active play for a club outside Brazil for a significant portion of the January-to-December period, with nominees selected based on performance metrics such as goals, assists, and overall impact rather than a strict minimum number of appearances.[1] While the men's division often spotlights stars in elite European competitions like the Premier League and La Liga, the women's category prioritizes emerging talents in circuits such as the Women's Super League, and the under-20 focuses on developmental promise irrespective of league level. One winner is announced annually per category following public and expert voting.[2]History
Inception and Early Years
The Samba Gold award was established in December 2008 by Sambafoot, a platform founded in 2002 in the wake of Brazil's FIFA World Cup triumph to spotlight Brazilian football talent, particularly the growing number of players exporting their skills to European leagues.[7] This initiative aimed to honor the "samba" style and contributions of Brazilian exports, filling a niche for recognizing individual excellence amid the post-2002 boom in such transfers.[3] The first edition, awarded in early 2009, went to Kaká of AC Milan for his pivotal role in the 2007-08 season, where he helped secure the UEFA Super Cup and contributed 10 goals and 7 assists in Serie A, earning 25% of the votes from over 10,000 online participants.[8] Initially limited to the men's category, the award relied entirely on public internet polls conducted via Sambafoot's website, without input from a professional jury of journalists or peers, which fostered grassroots enthusiasm but constrained broader recognition due to modest media exposure in its nascent phase.[1] Throughout the early years (2008-2017), the Samba Gold spotlighted standout performers like Luís Fabiano (Sevilla, 2009), who led La Liga in Brazilian goals that season, Maicon (Inter Milan, 2010), instrumental in the treble-winning campaign, Thiago Silva (Paris Saint-Germain) who dominated from 2011 to 2013 with three straight wins for his defensive leadership in Ligue 1 and the Champions League, Neymar (Barcelona, 2015 and 2017), and Philippe Coutinho (Liverpool, 2016). A pivotal highlight occurred in 2011 with growing speculation around Neymar's potential move from Santos to Europe, though his actual first win came in 2014 following his Barcelona transfer, where he tallied 15 goals and 12 assists in his debut La Liga season, underscoring the award's role in tracking emerging stars.[2][9] Voter participation surged during this period, from around 10,000 in the inaugural poll to over 100,000 by the late 2010s, reflecting the award's rising global appeal among fans.[10]Evolution and Milestones
The Samba Gold award underwent significant expansions in the late 2010s and early 2020s to broaden its scope beyond the men's category, reflecting the growing global prominence of Brazilian talent across genders and age groups. In 2021, the award introduced a dedicated women's category to recognize the best Brazilian female footballer playing outside Brazil, with Giovana Queiroz of Barcelona earning the inaugural honor for her standout performances that year. This addition marked a pivotal shift, acknowledging the rising influence of women's football and aligning the award with international trends in gender equity within the sport. The following year, Debinha of the Kansas City Current claimed the women's prize, further solidifying the category's importance, followed by Tamires (Corinthians) with back-to-back wins in 2023 and 2024. Further evolution came in 2022 with the launch of an under-20 category, aimed at highlighting emerging Brazilian prodigies. Endrick of Palmeiras became the first recipient, underscoring the award's commitment to nurturing youth talent amid Brazil's rich tradition of producing world-class players, with subsequent winners including Marcos Leonardo (Santos, 2023) and Wesley Gassova (Corinthians, 2024). These expansions transformed Samba Gold from a singular men's accolade into a multifaceted platform, enhancing its appeal and relevance in celebrating Brazilian excellence on the global stage. Neymar's dominance in the men's category during this period significantly elevated the award's prestige, as he secured victories in 2020, 2021, and 2022—bringing his total to a record six wins (previously in 2014, 2015, and 2017). His repeated triumphs, particularly during his time at Paris Saint-Germain, drew widespread media attention and underscored Samba Gold's role in honoring technical flair and impact in European leagues, even as Roberto Firmino (Liverpool, 2018) and Alisson (Liverpool, 2019) interrupted his streak. This era of success helped position the award as a key benchmark for Brazilian players seeking validation beyond domestic borders. The award's prominence continued to grow with Vinícius Júnior's back-to-back wins in the men's category for 2023 and 2024, both with Real Madrid, where his explosive pace and contributions to major trophies like the UEFA Champions League highlighted a new generation's rise. These milestones not only boosted fan engagement through public voting but also reinforced Samba Gold's status as a culturally resonant honor, bridging Brazilian heritage with international football achievements.Selection Process
Nomination and Voting Mechanism
The nomination phase for the Samba Gold award begins with an Electoral Board or College composed of football professionals and journalists, such as Tino Marcos and Lizandra, selecting 10 nominees per category based on players' performances, statistics, roles, and achievements outside Brazil.[1][2] Winners are determined through public voting on the Sambafoot website and mobile app, open to registered users worldwide with one vote allowed per category.[1] The voting period runs from September 1 to November 30, with results announced on December 1.[1]Judging Criteria
The judging criteria for the Samba Gold award balance quantitative statistical performance with qualitative elements embodying the Brazilian "samba" style of football, ensuring recognition of players who combine effectiveness with flair. Nominees are evaluated on individual impact, including goals scored and assists provided; team success, such as winning titles or achieving high league positions; consistency, measured by match appearances and resilience against injuries; and the samba style, encompassing dribbling proficiency, creative playmaking, and overall entertainment value on the pitch. These factors guide the Electoral Board in nominations and inform public voting.[1][2] Category-specific nuances tailor the evaluation. In the men's category, emphasis is placed on performances in top competitions. The women's category highlights versatility in international and domestic leagues. For the under-20 category, introduced in 2022, the focus is on potential and technical development in youth systems. These distinctions, along with the award's expansion to all continents outside Brazil and addition of the women's category in 2021, promote recognition of diverse Brazilian talent.[2] A representative example is Vinícius Júnior's 2024 victory in the men's category, attributed to his decisive contributions, including scoring in the UEFA Champions League final, helping Real Madrid win the title where he was named the best player.[1][11]Winners
Men's Category
The Samba Gold men's category recognizes the outstanding performance of the top Brazilian male footballer playing professionally outside Brazil, typically in European leagues, based on a combination of expert votes, fan ballots, and statistical achievements throughout the calendar year. Established in 2008, the award has highlighted players who exemplify technical skill, goal contributions, and overall impact on their clubs and the Brazilian national team. Since its inception, it has evolved to reflect the global migration of Brazilian talent, with winners often hailing from top European competitions.[2] The complete list of winners from 2008 to 2024 is as follows, with clubs noted at the time of the award:| Year | Winner | Club |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | Kaká | AC Milan |
| 2009 | Luís Fabiano | Sevilla |
| 2010 | Maicon | Inter Milan |
| 2011 | Thiago Silva | AC Milan |
| 2012 | Thiago Silva | Paris Saint-Germain |
| 2013 | Thiago Silva | Paris Saint-Germain |
| 2014 | Neymar | Barcelona |
| 2015 | Neymar | Barcelona |
| 2016 | Philippe Coutinho | Liverpool |
| 2017 | Neymar | Paris Saint-Germain |
| 2018 | Roberto Firmino | Liverpool |
| 2019 | Alisson | Liverpool |
| 2020 | Neymar | Paris Saint-Germain |
| 2021 | Neymar | Paris Saint-Germain |
| 2022 | Neymar | Paris Saint-Germain |
| 2023 | Vinícius Júnior | Real Madrid |
| 2024 | Vinícius Júnior | Real Madrid |