Exporting Soccer Players

Every year 900 Brazilian soccer players are exported all over the world, making Brazil the world's largest exporter of soccer players. Not only does this trade sound impersonal, but Brazilian players are paid less than European players of equal talent. Meanwhile, Brazilian dominance in the sport is declining as they lose their best players. This seemingly inconsequential social problem actually reflects much deeper domestic issues within Brazil. Beginning in the 1990's, club sports were exposed as corrupt, money laundering organizations that were exploiting talented, but uneducated players. The corruption has destroyed any benefits of Brazilian soccer, which was once considered a means of improving race relations in a racially divided country. This article can be found here; and for a really in depth view of Brazilian soccer, check out the book Futebol: The Brazilian Way of Life by Alex Bellos.