Romário, one of the central figures in Brazil’s 1994 World Cup title, has sharpened his criticism of the current national team during Brazil’s uneven start to the 2026 World Cup. In interviews published by Folha de S.Paulo, Lance! and Terra, the former striker questioned the squad’s attitude, leadership and connection with Brazilian supporters.
Romário, now 60 and serving as a Brazilian senator, made his most direct criticism after Brazil’s 1-1 draw with Morocco on June 13. Speaking to Folha in New York, where he was following the team and fulfilling commercial commitments, he said Brazil’s leading players had not reproduced their club form for the national side.
"Falta atitude nesses caras quando eles vestem a camisa da seleção brasileira," Romário told Folha de S.Paulo.
The phrase means he believes the players lack attitude when they wear Brazil’s shirt. He singled out Vinicius Júnior as an example of a player whose national-team performances have not always matched his level at Real Madrid, while adding that the forward’s display against Morocco was the version Brazil needed.
Leadership and Ancelotti
Romário told Folha he did not see a clear leader in the current Brazil team. He said names often mentioned as possible leaders, including Marquinhos and Casemiro, did not give him that impression on the pitch.
He did not place the responsibility primarily on Carlo Ancelotti. Romário argued that coaches matter, but players decide matches. In his view, Brazil should not treat even a decorated coach as more important than the footballers themselves.
Still, he criticized the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) for renewing Ancelotti’s contract before the end of the World Cup. Romário called the decision premature and asked what would happen if Brazil were eliminated early, while acknowledging that such a scenario was unlikely under the tournament format.
He also objected to Ancelotti’s statement that Brazil needed to have fear of opponents as part of a successful campaign. Romário said Brazil should respect opponents, not fear them, and argued that rival teams no longer feel the same intimidation when facing the Seleção.
A Thinner Talent Pool
The criticism fits a broader argument Romário has made about Brazilian and world football. In an interview cited by Terra before Brazil’s opening match, he said players from his generation remain important because, in his view, no one in the current era represents Brazilian football in the same way.
In a separate interview with Lance!, Romário said modern football has much less talent, not only in Brazil but globally. He argued that he and Ronaldo would stand out even more if they played today, because players with strong physical preparation and high technique now have an even clearer advantage.
Lance! also reported that Romário believes Ancelotti’s Brazil can reach the World Cup final, despite his criticism of the team’s performances. That makes his position less a dismissal of Brazil’s chances than a demand for a higher standard from a squad he still sees as capable of advancing.
Calls for Changes
After the Morocco match, Romário told Folha he wanted changes in the team, including more youth in attack. He named Endrick and Rayan as options, describing both as goal scorers with different profiles. He also supported using Neymar if the No. 10 was medically fit to play against Haiti on June 19.
Romário linked the team’s performance to a wider emotional gap between the national side and Brazilian supporters. He said Brazil’s players do not fully understand that a World Cup title carries meaning beyond football in the country.
Folha also reported that Romário continued to exercise his Senate mandate while in the United States during the tournament. His office said the private commentary work was compatible with his legislative duties, and Folha noted that Brazil’s Senate had no in-person deliberative sessions scheduled before the World Cup final on July 19.