In recent years, Brazil have struggled to maintain their status as one of the world’s most dominant national teams, a decline highlighted by their disappointing performance in 2024 Cup America. Addressing the team’s ongoing challenges, the Brazil legend Coffee addressed Vinicius Jr and the national team’s dependence on Neymar for over a decade, points out that this dependence has hindered their progress.
Since their last World Cup triumph in 2002, Brazil have failed to reach the final stage of the tournament. Their humiliating 7-1 Loss to Germany in the semi-finals in 2014 and heartbreaking quarter-final defeat to Croatia in 2022 have been significant setbacks. Despite Neymar’s talent and global status, Brazil’s inability to cultivate a team capable of stepping up in his absence has been constant.
In an interview with Globo EsporteCafu expressed his disappointment at Brazil’s one-dimensional approach. “We spent almost 14 years dependent on a single player, Neymar. Our greatest player, our greatest idol, the player we knew could solve our problems at any time. Tell me, who is the national idol today, after Neymar, on an absolute, global level? After Neymar, we haven’t had another idolHe said dismissing Vinicius.
CAFU also drew comparisons between the current squad and Brazil’s legendary 2002 World Cup winning team. “And we know that if you rely on just one player, you won’t win a World Cup. It is impossible. You don’t win a World Cup depending on a single player.
“I always say, when you compared it to 2002, let’s go back. In 2002 you had Ronaldo. If Ronaldo didn’t perform well, Rivaldo would step up. If Rivaldo wasn’t the best, Ronaldinho gaucho would solve it. If Ronaldinho didn’t play, Roberto Carlos could make the difference with a free kickCafu concluded his statement.
CAFU’s optimism for the 2026 World Cup
Despite Brazil’s struggles in recent tournaments, including their early exit in the 2024 Copa America and a rocky start to Conmebol World Cup qualifying (where they currently sit fifth with 18 pointsseven behind the leaders), CAFU remains optimistic about the team’s future.
“We now have players who can take on that responsibility. Players who are champions with their clubs. We have Rodrygowho is someone who steps up to take responsibility. We have Vini Jr., Raphinha … we have marquinhosa defender who always steps up to take responsibility. I think today it is more dividedCafu said, noting that the current squad has the potential to move away from the Neymar-centric approach.
But in Vinicius’ case, the Real Madrid star has yet to take on the mantle. While he scored twice in three games during the 2024 Copa America, His suspension against Uruguay and inconsistent performances left questions about his ability to lead the team. CAFU believes that distribution responsibilities across the squad, especially with Neymar’s return, could unlock Vinicius’ potential.
Neymar’s potential reintegration into the team
Neymar has been sidelined for over a year after suffering an ACL injury during a World Cup qualifier against Uruguay 2023. His absence has left a noticeable void, though Al Hilal The forward is expected to return during the next international break in March.
CAFU believes Neymar can thrive in the current squad if responsibilities are better distributed. “Neymar would fit in very well. This squad can give him the support he needs. But it depends on how you get these guys to play. How you distribute responsibility to them. Today I see players who can provide equal support to one of the greatest players we have had in the last 14 yearswhich is NeymarCafu concluded his statement.
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