Brazil have struggled with disappointing results in recent years, and Ronaldo Nazario recently made a candid admission about the state of the team. The legendary forward also addressed the roles that Neymar and Vinicius Junior should play in the team's recovery.
Ronaldo Nazario, one of soccer’s most prominent figures for over a decade, led Brazil to the 2002 FIFA World Cup title in South Korea and Japan. Today, those glory days seem distant, and the former Real Madrid striker made an honest reflection on the current state of Brazilian soccer. He also issued a special request regarding Neymar and Vinicius Junior.
“We dominated world soccer for many years, but now we have to be humble enough to understand that we have been surpassed,” Ronaldo said in an interview with former player Romario. He made it clear that Brazil no longer holds the dominant position in global soccer that it did two decades ago.
When discussing the steps Brazil must take to regain its stature, the 2002 Ballon d’Or winner highlighted two key players. “Neymar is an important pillar. Vinicius is also an important pillar. We have two great players. We have to start from there, find a way for the team to play for them,” he explained.
Ronaldo was full of praise for the Santos star’s leadership and impact. “Neymar is a figure who inspires young players. On the field, he has a lot of personality, takes risks, tries, and is not afraid of kicks. He’s a scorer. I hope he comes back well because if he is well, the national team will find a good direction,” Nazario said. He added that Ney’s presence helps to “make up for the structural problems that the national team is experiencing.”
Ronaldo expects more from Vinicius
While Ronaldo acknowledged Vinicius Junior’s incredible performances with Real Madrid, calling his club contributions “crazy,” he made it clear that the winger has not yet replicated that form with the Brazilian national team. “He doesn’t manage to perform the same in the national team,” the former striker stated.
