Brazil is an incredibly divided country though the one thing that unites all Brazilians is a profound love for the nation’s football team. Football runs in the blood of Brazillians. It is a footballing nation at heart.
Brazil has won five World Cups, more than any other nation, most recently winning it in 2002. In Japan and South Korea that summer, Ronaldo, Brazil’s legendary striker, ran riot and scored twice in the final to win the trophy for the Seleçao.
R9 was a real icon in Brazil and his prominent, semi-shaved hairdo inspired millions of Brazilians, including a young Neymar, to disappoint their mothers and imitate their footballing idol.
However, whilst Brazil still has world-beaters in most positions on the pitch, the striker position is one that has been lacking in the past 21 years.
The period following Ronaldo’s reign marked a time of transition and experimentation for the Brazilian national team. Coaches and selectors have grappled with the question of who should lead the line and be the focal point of the attack. Various talented forwards have been tried and tested, but none have exceptionally replicated the success and charisma of R9. I mean, how could they?
Over the years, Brazil has seen the likes of Luis Fabiano, Fred, Pato, and others try to step into the role of the prolific goal scorer. While these players have had their moments, they have not been able to consistently maintain the level of excellence that fans have come to expect from a Brazilian striker.
The most successful striker since R9 has been Adriano. He was considered the natural successor to Ronaldo and in 2004/05, scored 42 goals domestically and internationally. His shot could’ve been considered a lethal weapon and he maintained the poise of a ballerina. That is until his father passed away and Adriano never was the same. He gained significant weight and struggled in front of goal.
Recently, the goalscoring duty has often fallen on the shoulders of golden child Neymar. While Neymar is undoubtedly a world-class talent and a superstar in his own right, his style of play is more that of an expressive playmaker and winger rather than a traditional centre-forward. This shift in the role of the striker has been a reflection of the evolving dynamics of modern football, with more emphasis on versatility and teamwork.
Tottenham’s Richarlison and sometimes Arsenal’s Gabi Jesus have stepped into the role effectively enough. Richy’s form for Brazil is far more prolific than it is for Tottenham and he has scored 20 goals in 46 games, averaging just under a goal every two games. He is growing into the role as well. In 2022, he scored ten in ten. Yet, he’s not quite Ronaldo and fans of the national team worry if in big games, will the 2022 Brazil Richarlison show up or the 2023 Tottenham Richarlison.
Brazil have a tough test coming up against Uruguay in the qualifiers for the World Cup. Against a world-class defender such as Ronaldo Araujo, Richarlison will have to be at his very best to prove himself as a viable candidate for Brazil’s number nine shirt in the long term. Two days ago against Venezuela, Richarlison failed to have a shot before being substituted. He only completed four passes in his 58 minutes on the pitch.
The search for the next great Brazilian striker continues, and there are promising young talents emerging, both in Brazil’s domestic leagues and playing for European clubs. Endrick in particular has the potential to be a future star in the Seleção. He is only 17 so one has to be careful not to put too much pressure on him. The bar is set incredibly high, and so he will need time and patience to fully mature into a world-class striker.
The Brazilian footballing culture remains vibrant and passionate, with a deep love for the game and a thirst for success. The dream of finding the next Ronaldo is still very much alive, and Brazilians are eagerly waiting for the emergence of a new striker who can capture the hearts of the nation and lead them to World Cup glory once again. Until then, the search for the heir to R9’s throne continues, and the Brazilian football faithful remain hopeful that the next footballing icon will rise from the land where the beautiful game is not just a sport but a way of life.
By Nicky Helfgott / @NickyH3lfgott on Twitter
