Cafu has criticized Brazil's approach to squad building over the past 15 years, arguing that the nation placed an unsustainable burden on Neymar by failing to provide adequate support around their most celebrated player. The legendary full-back, who captained the Selecao to World Cup victory in 2002, believes this structural weakness explains Brazil's 24-year drought without a global title.
Speaking to ESPN, Cafu drew a stark contrast between the current era and the balanced attacking force that dominated in Japan and South Korea two decades ago. "In 2002 we didn't repeat the best player on the pitch even once," he explained, referencing the legendary Three R's attack featuring Ronaldo, Rivaldo and Ronaldinho. That constellation of talent meant the burden of performance never fell on a single individual. By contrast, Neymar has carried the weight of national expectations alone, competing in three consecutive World Cups without adequate peer support—reaching the quarter-finals twice and the semi-finals once.
New Leadership for 2026
Looking toward the 2026 World Cup in North America, Cafu identified the players he believes should assume leadership responsibilities going forward. "I see Casemiro and Marquinhos as good leaders, the way they position themselves on the pitch, how they talk to the referee, the way they talk to the players," Cafu stated. "I see these two as the two great leaders of the Brazilian national team today." Both players bring experience from elite European clubs—Casemiro from Manchester United and Marquinhos from Paris Saint-Germain—and possess the tactical maturity to organize a team across midfield and defense.
Brazil will pursue a record-extending sixth World Cup title under coach Carlo Ancelotti, competing in Group C alongside Morocco, Haiti, and Scotland. The Selecao face a critical window to rebuild their squad architecture before the tournament, with international friendlies against Panama and Egypt scheduled as preparation. Whether Neymar features or not, establishing a genuinely collective team rather than a star-dependent one may finally end Brazil's longest trophy drought since 1970.
