Brazil stars slammed by World Cup winner: ‘My generation had more hunger to win’

After their failure at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, things have continued to go downhill for the Brazil national team. They’ve struggled to perform in the 2024 Copa America and are also having a hard time in the South American World Cup qualifiers. In this context, a Brazilian legend had harsh words for the team’s biggest stars.

Romario, in an interview with Ge Globo, took aim at the current Brazil players. “I see these athletes playing much more for their clubs than for the national team,” he said. This isn’t the first time such criticism has surfaced, especially considering that Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo Goes, and Raphinha are often called out for failing to replicate with Brazil their club-level form, at Real Madrid and Barcelona, respectively.

“I don’t know if they’re holding back, but the level of commitment is different,” added the former striker, who retired in 2009. “In my time, we gave everything for both. That’s also a difference… My generation had more hunger to win. If they understand that this hunger is important, maybe they’ll win.”

Romario had a standout playing career, starring for Barcelona and Brazil, with whom he won the 1994 FIFA World Cup in the United States, earning tournament MVP honors. He also won the Copa America in 1989 and 1997, as well as the 1997 Confederations Cup.

Romario won the World Cup with Brazil in 1994

“The national team is different from everything else. I’m very proud of the games I played and, above all, of the titles,” the former forward said. “The national team defined my career—I always gave everything for it.”

see also

Brazilian legend makes huge statement, claiming he was better than Neymar and Romario

Romario breaks down Brazil’s loss to Argentina

The most intense backlash this Brazil squad has faced came after their heavy 4–1 defeat to Argentina in South American qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. “The reaction was bigger because of how the loss happened. Losing that way made it a bigger story. We could have played better,” Romario said about the match.

The former striker had played a notable role in the lead-up to that game. It was during a conversation with him that Raphinha made the bold comments that would go viral. “We’re going to give Argentina a beating, no doubt… Am I going to score? Yes,” the Barcelona player had said.

Romario has now spoken publicly about Raphinha for the first time since that match and offered a candid take. “The result was terrible, and Raphinha didn’t live up to expectations,” said the Brazilian legend, making it clear he wasn’t satisfied with the winger’s performance.