Capetinha sees lack of personality in the Seleção after fall in the World Cup

Edilson Capetinha was champion with the Brazilian team at the 2002 World Cup. In that historic generation, the technical level was so high that, even though he was one of the main players in Brazilian football at the time, he was unable to establish himself as a starter.

During the CNN Esportes S/A program, shown this Saturday (11), the five-time champion analyzed Brazil's disappointing campaign in the 2026 World Cup and criticized the lack of personality of some players in the Brazilian team who competed in the World Cup held in the United States, Mexico and Canada.

When commenting on the role of attackers in "coming back to score", Edilson recalled the resistance he had throughout his career to not play this role.

According to him, current players accept coaches' instructions without question, whereas, in his time, he defended his characteristics on the field and did not hesitate to say when a certain role harmed his performance.

But I often fought, they often tried to do that to me, but what I see is that today's players don't have that personality. To go to a coach and say, 'I can't do this.' If you're going to do this to me, you better add another player.

Edilson Capetinha, five-time champion with the Brazilian team

Many Brazilian fans and former players complain about the Seleção's change in identity. Brazilian football, previously marked by an offensive and creative style, has become more defensive.

Edilson attributed this transformation to the attempt to copy the European model, but also cited social factors, such as violence in the suburbs and the lack of opportunities for young people, as possible causes of the decrease in players with more offensive characteristics.

I think copying Europeans and foreigners has turned our football into a mess. I think that young people today, because of my social condition and the country's conditions, youth crime and social power are a little disorganized. Because today, if you live on the outskirts, you can't leave the house to do anything, not even to go train.

Edilson Capetinha, five-time champion with the Brazilian team

During the interview, Edilson criticized coach Carlo Ancelotti's work and gave his opinion on Neymar's trip to the World Cup. To complete the conversation, Capetinha revealed his support for Lionel Messi and criticized the Brazilian team's lack of determination.

CNN Esportes S/A will air this Saturday (11), at 6pm (Brasília time), on CNN Brasil and on CNN Esportes YouTube.

CNN Esportes S/A
With Edilson Capetinha, five-time champion with the Brazilian team, CNN Esportes S/A reaches its 146th edition. Presented by João Vitor Xavier, the program goes behind the scenes of a market that moves billions and is one of the most profitable in the world: sport.

On the agenda, the hottest topics in the football industry, from the perspective of economics and business.

Romário says he would tear up Ancelotti's contract: "There's no way to continue"

Source: CNN