Ronaldo thinks Brazil should go with Vinícius and Neymar
São Paulo, Feb 14 (EFE).–
Brazilian legend Ronaldo Nazário believes Brazil should center its national team strategy around Vinícius Júnior and Neymar if the country is to have a shot at winning the 2026 World Cup in Canada, the United States, and Mexico.
“Neymar is an important pillar. Vinícius Júnior is also an important pillar. We have two great players. We need to start from there and find a way for the team to play for them,” the two-time World Cup winner said in a YouTube interview with Romário.
Ronaldo, reflecting on the current team, believes that both Neymar and Vinícius need more freedom within the national team to perform at their best.
Neymar, who is recovering from a knee injury and still not fully back to his top form, and Vinícius, who excels at Real Madrid but struggles with the national team, both require a system that caters to their strengths.
“Neymar inspires young people, has great personality on the field, takes risks, and is not afraid of tackles. He also has a sharp scoring ability. I hope he returns well, because if he’s in top form, the national team will find a better direction,” Ronaldo said.
While acknowledging Vinícius’ incredible performances for Real Madrid, Ronaldo noted that the winger hasn’t quite replicated that success with Brazil.
He suggested that the issue may lie with the coach, who must identify the best formations and tactical approaches to maximize the team’s potential.
Currently, Brazil’s coach is Dorival Júnior, but Ronaldo believes that the national team could benefit from a foreign coach.
“Brazilian coaches are currently two steps behind world standards,” Ronaldo said. “We dominated world football for many years, but now we need the humility to admit that we’ve been surpassed.”
He went on to praise Abel Ferreira, the Portuguese coach of Palmeiras, calling him a “good coach.”
Ronaldo also reiterated his ambition to one day become the president of the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF), promising an “efficient management” and a renewed focus on nurturing Brazilian talent. “The CBF should be the most beloved company in Brazil. My goal is for football to be a transformative agent in our country,” he said. EFE cms-sk
