Robinho profile
One such exception is Robson de Souza. Born on January 25 1984 in the poverty stricken region of Sao Vicente, which neighbours Santos, the story of 'Robinho' echoes many of his predecessors as his sublime ability with a ball allowed him to transcend a life of hardship in the favelas.
In 1999, whilst overseeing Santos' youth set-up, Pele stopped a training session to talk to a scrawny kid who had the luxurious skills that reminded him of himself as a youngster.
''He has everything it takes to be better even than me."
Pele
At the time Robinho was a 15-year-old and within three years Pele's eye for talent was beginning to bear fruit as the youngster made his bow for Santos' first team.
Like many players in Brazil, due to a lack of grass in the country, Robinho honed his skills by playing 'Futebol de Salao' or 'Futsal' - a game played on basketball courts with a ball that does not bounce. The game demands a fine first touch and a plethora of skills as it is played in a confined space and has born the likes of Ronaldo and Zico amongst others.
It was such a talent at Futsal that caught the eye of Beira-Mar, his first club, before moving on to Portuarios and then Santos. Establishing himself as a key player in 2002, along with Diego, Robinho's dazzling array of feints and tricks saw Santos claim the Brazilian championship.
He came synonymous with the 'Pedalada', a breathtaking skill that brought comparisons with Garrincha - another lithe Brazilian whose diminutive frame did not prevent him from becoming a true great.
Although failing to live up to his exploits of 2002 in the following campaign, Santos were runners-up in the Copa Libertadores, Robinho did return to form in 2004 in fine style.
The Brazilian league title was again secured (Robinho scored 21 goals in 36 matches), and the boy wonder received the Golden Ball as the Player of the Year.
Robinho made his Brazil debut against Mexico in 2003 and in 2005 was one of the shining lights as his country claimed the Confederations Cup courtesy of a thumping of South American rivals Argentina in the final.
Fine form on the field was however beset by problems off it, as Robinho's mother was kidnapped and held captive for two months before being released after a ransom was paid. Robinho seeked pastures new and in 2005 moved to Real Madrid, with Arsenal also interested, in a deal purported to be in the region of £15 million.
In the Spanish capital, like Real, Robinho has fluctuated from the sublime to the disappointing, as Madrid have worked their way through a succession of coaches.
In qualification for the World Cup, Robinho scored twice as Brazil finished top of the South American section and whilst he may infuriate as much as he tantalises in Germany, Pele's natural successor could yet emulate Brazil's favourite son this summer.
