It’s no secret that Brazil produces some of the best soccer players in the game’s history. They have five World Cup victories, and they have qualified for every World Cup so far. What makes Brazil so good at soccer? Let’s delve into the background details that explain this truth!
Brazil is good at soccer because kids play in harsh conditions at a young age. Kids don’t have as many distractions such as TV, Computer, iPad, etc. Many Brazilians see playing football as a means to escape poverty. Futsal helps them develop strong football-handling skills, and competition between players is fierce. The hardship builds a spirit of determination.
Why Does Brazil Produce So Many Skilled Footballers?
Thanks to Street Football and Futsal, Brazil can forge world-class football players. Kids as young as five learn to play football in the streets of Brazil.
Many regions in Brazil suffer from poverty, which means most families don’t have the finances to buy footballs or football gear. Instead, kids create balls made from old socks and make the streets their playing field.
Playing barefoot on concrete can be pretty harsh, and sometimes, one team needs to get the ball uphill to score. The Brazilian combination of torrential rain and heat also adds a complexity that builds character and determination.
In truth, it’s exactly these conditions that forge champions. Pele himself was among the kids who played barefoot and with a sock stuffed with paper. This kind of upbringing breeds a unique kind of footballer that thrives on adversity.
Brazilians are willing to play in these conditions because they enjoy football and want to be part of a community.
Garrincha, who many consider one of the greatest Brazilian players and dribblers ever to exist, debuted on the streets of Brazil. It’s normal for football clubs to discover talented players when they are in their early teens, but it’s unusual to start their football career past 18 years!
Football is much more than a sport or activity that involves moving a ball with your feet; it is a way of life and a source of national pride. You can find people in the streets, mountains, bars, beaches, and schools enjoying the game.
It’s often the topic of conversation whether you’re at the office or walking down the street. People enjoy discussing the latest news about players, strategies, and upcoming matches. As such, it’s something that brings people together, regardless of their religion, race, gender, or social status.
What Part Does Futsal Play In Skillful Brazilian Footballers?
The Street Football culture in Brazil is so serious that people often insist the best players also practice Futsal. They have a real shot at becoming the next Ronaldo. Futsal is a popular 5v5 football-like game that takes place on a smaller playing field.
The intention of a heavier ball tests players’ ability to use and control space and sharpens their ball-handling skills. Pele once spoke of Futsal and described it as strengthening the football muscle and making it easier when later switching to football.
The playstyle rewards explosive movement and dribbling and promotes the thrilling footballing spirit Brazilian footballers call ginga or sway.
Futsal also encourages players to develop their technical skills, such as dribbling, passing, shooting, and receiving. Throughout the improvement process, they learn to be creative in their playstyle and invent solutions for the obstacles they face.
It’s widely played in Brazil among young people and adults, at schools, clubs, and on the streets. Famous Brazilian football stars like Romario, Ronaldo, Zico, and Neymar credit much of their skill to Futsal.
They said it helped to shape their footballing style and abilities and contributed much to the creativity that fans see when they play.
Neighboring countries like Spain, Argentina, Portugal, and France also hold futsal in high regard, praising it for contributing to footballers who excel above the rest. Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo also voiced their praise, stating their love and gratitude toward futsal for helping them sculpt their own football style.
How Fierce Can Competitive Football Be In Brazil?
The streets of Brazil forge players in the heat of competition. One of the primary reasons for this is because it represents a way for them to escape a life of poverty.
Brazil’s favelas (working-class neighborhoods) have the fewest resources, and life is often challenging. Neighborhoods have problems with drugs, disease, violence, and sanitation.
However, the everyday challenges do little to quench their fire for football. They transform run-down corners into playgrounds where they can hone their agility and ball-handling skills. These players are self-taught and learn through trial and error. Their idols are also a huge source of inspiration that keeps them playing.
These impoverished people have an unbreakable spirit that forges camaraderie and a community that builds atop one another to create world-class players. They see it as an opportunity to provide for their families and pursue a brighter tomorrow.
In fact, only 6% of Brazil’s population lives in favelas, yet 46% of Brazil’s 2022 World Cup team came from the favelas.
Talented players with aspirations to have a football career fight fiercely for the chance to sign up with a football club. The competitive culture flows into club rivalries, Grenal, Paulista, the Fla-Flu, or Derby of Millions. Furthermore, talented players who stand out garner money for their clubs.
Brazil’s international teams contend with difficult teams like Uruguay and Argentina, who are always looking to take their crown. The national Brazilian football team has the nickname The Samba Boys because their dribbling style looks like a dance. However, many don’t see the hardship that comes before it.
How Do Brazilian Footballers View Winning?
Brazil has a very strong culture of winning, thanks to the competitive nature of football. They understand that success can snowball into more success. Many young Brazilians grow up watching their favorite idols and keep their expectations high for following in their footsteps.
Brazil has a reputation for playing a unique style of football, which they call jogo bonito or “the beautiful game.” Their playstyle involves skillful dribbling, passing, and scoring, with flair and creativity. Brazilian fans adore this identity and expect their players to uphold it. It demonstrates passion, elegance, and entertainment.
For this reason, parking the bus in Brazil is a grave offense because it goes against every football value they treasure. In fact, they consider it a sign of cowardice, lack of ambition, and disrespect for the game.
As a nation, Brazil invests itself in the culture of winning because it wants to push itself to be the best version of itself. It sets them apart from other football teams around the world.