This article examines how Michel Foucault’s theories have been received in Brazilian education research, highlighting his ideas’ diverse interpretations and applications. The discussion is divided into three main areas of reception. The first area examines the effects of the Brazilian publication of “Discipline and Punish,” which contributed to labelling Foucault as a “theorist of power.” The second area discusses the reinterpretation of Foucault’s work by the Porto Alegre Group, which has been instrumental in fostering a new understanding and spreading Foucauldian studies in Brazil. The third area reviews current academic work that explores themes like neoliberalism, curriculum, education, and teaching. In summary, this article aims to provide a thorough overview of Foucault’s impact on Brazilian education research while recognising that addressing the full scope of his work is challenging. Ultimately, it argues that Foucauldian theories are valuable tools for educational research that go beyond established frameworks.