Participating in a World Cup is a monumental experience; when representing your national team, every aspect of your life revolves around the schedule – from the hotel to the training facilities and the stadium. Everything is focused on the matches ahead.
During the 2022 World Cup, I embraced this routine and recognized the immense commitment the tournament requires. In this 2026 edition, as fate would have it, while I continue to recover from my injury, I am experiencing a different facet of the World Cup: one filled with reunions, as countless events unfold across various cities and countries, fostering opportunities for meaningful conversations and unforgettable experiences.
In just two afternoons in New York, I encountered true legends, icons, and friends made through football. These moments were invaluable, allowing me to listen, share ideas, and gain support from stars like Marcelo, Kaká, Paul Pogba, and Zinedine Zidane. A simple planned appearance for a shared sponsor transformed into a friendly chat among different generations united by their love for football. We stood there, close to our fans. Five players representing Brazil and France interacted with hundreds of supporters from around the world, all seeking a brief encounter, a photo, or a wave. I even managed to get an autographed shirt from Zidane, my former coach and a true giant of the sport.
In the heart of the event near the Brooklyn Bridge, we reminisced about our past experiences, the excitement that permeates the atmosphere during the World Cup, and, of course, the matches that had already taken place. There are high expectations for the Brazilian national team, and in football, “the best” equates to winning. However, it’s essential to remember that the opening draw against Morocco marked the beginning of our journey; Brazil faced challenges in that match, and securing a draw was crucial for our progress.
The World Cup presents unique challenges unlike any other tournament. Conditions change constantly, and nothing is guaranteed. A poor performance in the first match does not dictate the outcome of subsequent games, just as a significant victory does not assure an easy next match or consistent performance.
It is a fast-paced marathon comprised of stages that can feel isolated, presenting opportunities for transformation throughout the tournament. There are eight critical matches on the path to the title, and during the group stage, not every setback leads to elimination. A single team can exhibit multiple facets throughout the competition, which contributes to the World Cup’s unmatched allure.
As players take the field for a World Cup match, our sole focus is clear: to deliver our best performance. We prepare rigorously to ensure we arrive in optimal physical, technical, tactical, and mental condition. Each player is committed to representing their team and country to the fullest.
Before and after games, opponents are fellow professionals and friends. Yet, once the match begins, everyone is devoted to their roles and strives to help the Seleção progress. While the result is unpredictable, dedication and the right mindset can be guaranteed through relentless effort on the pitch.
Wearing the Brazil jersey carries significant pressure, but it also instills a positive sense of responsibility. This pressure arises from the greatness of our football, the titles we’ve secured, and our esteemed place in the sport’s history. The sentiment of our fans often hinges on the outcome, which is understandable in a nation accustomed to frequent victories.
As players, it is vital to understand that a wave of criticism does not signify the end, just as a surge of praise does not guarantee success in the tournament. It’s essential to differentiate between constructive analysis and comments fueled by raw emotion and frustration.
Players are not immune to social media commentary. I advocate for employing a filter: a method to differentiate what is relevant and deserving of response from what is merely harmful and disconnected from reality.
A World Cup player’s routine demands immense dedication to the sport. Nonetheless, players are human beings who maintain connections – even online – with friends, family, professional contacts, and teammates. Consequently, social media remarks can easily reach us through any of these channels. Among the messages, there may be distressing content aimed at evoking stress. A footballer is a person and can be impacted by such posts, images, or comments, just like anyone else. Most players do not actively seek these out; they typically have a support team to manage the filtering process.
However, the sheer volume of interactions means some of it inevitably reaches us. Thus, it is imperative to concentrate on our performance on the field. Ultimately, our on-pitch accomplishments should be what resonates the loudest.
