Why is the Brazilian team weak, but the clubs are strong?

In contrast to the declining performance of the national team, the clubs in the land of Samba are proving to the world that Brazil is still a respectable brand.

Alex Telles is a typical example of the right way of doing things by Brazilian clubs - Photo: REUTERS

Brazil at club level is different from national team level

The decline of the Brazilian national team over the past 10 years has been a familiar topic in the football world. Since winning the World Cup in 2002, Brazil has not returned to the World Cup final - something that Italy, France, Spain, the Netherlands, Germany, Argentina and Croatia have done in turn.

Even in Copa America, Brazil has only won 1/6 of the most recent times the tournament has been held. And they even struggled right from the World Cup qualifiers.

Many reasons were given, such as Brazil no longer producing geniuses of the caliber of Ronaldinho, Kaka, "fat" Ronaldo..., or the undisciplined lifestyle of many superstars, the lack of great strategists, and many other behind-the-scenes issues.

But on the contrary, Brazilian football still shows stability at the club level. Even the clubs are getting better and better.

Before the seismic event at the FIFA Club World Cup, the Brazilian representatives completely dominated South American football. This was demonstrated by their 5 consecutive Copa Libertadores championships - the Champions League of South America.

Allan (right) made PSG superstars turn off the lights - Photo: REUTERS

They are Palmeiras (2020, 2021), Flamengo, Fluminense and Botafogo respectively. Thereby, Brazil becomes the only country with 4 teams participating in the FIFA Club World Cup.

And when entering the tournament in the US, all 4 names above are undefeated. Even undefeated after competing with the giants of Europe.

Fluminense drew with Dortmund, Palmeiras almost beat Porto, and Botafogo and Flamengo defeated PSG and Chelsea respectively. One time might be luck, but when all can do it, it is clearly strength.

So, why are Brazilian football teams so strong?

Stable economy

Unlike most South American teams that have struggled financially, Brazil's top clubs have in recent years become economic powerhouses thanks to their corporatized model.

Since 2021, Brazil has enacted a law allowing clubs to operate as joint stock companies (SAF – Sociedade Anônima do Futebol), creating conditions for investors to invest.

Botafogo is a prime example. After being acquired by American billionaire John Textor, the team immediately reformed its structure, investing in infrastructure, personnel and the academy.

Similarly, Flamengo, Palmeiras, Fluminense all receive huge cash flows from sponsorship, television rights and commercial revenue. According to a 2024 Deloitte report, the combined revenue of Brazil's five biggest clubs is higher than many teams in France or Portugal.

Flamengo has a diverse roster of stars - Photo: REUTERS

Brazilian clubs realized that they did not need to compete directly with Europe with money, but with emotional attachment and domestic influence.

They invited stars who had played in Europe to return – typically Hulk, David Luiz, Felipe Melo, Diego Costa, Alex Telles, Alex Sandro – not only to play but also to help improve the squad and coach young players.

Not only that, Brazilian clubs also recruit talent from neighboring countries. Typically, Flamengo owns 3 Uruguayan pillars: Vina, De la Cruz and Arrascaeta.

In addition, many quality young players are retained for a few more seasons to develop before leaving, instead of being sold early as before. This creates a balance between experience and youth, bringing stability and higher performance in regional tournaments.

Approaching modern football

Since 2020, Brazil’s top clubs have invested heavily in data analysis, sports science , sports medicine and modern training tools. They have learned from European models to optimize physical fitness, tactics and the ability to adapt to different playing conditions.

These teams also tend to hire coaches with modern thinking, expand international cooperation and upgrade their training academies to a professional model.

Palmeiras, for example, currently operates a training center worth more than 15 million USD, on par with major academies in Europe.

The Guardian said the difference lies in the fact that “clubs have clear and measurable goals, while national teams are a story of belief and politics.”

El País commented after Fluminense's victory at the FIFA Club World Cup: "Brazil has regained its glory, but not through the national team. It is thanks to clubs that know how to run football like a business - disciplined, strategic and decisive."

The magical Samba

And finally, that is the magical quality of football in the land of Samba. Many people say that in any slum of Rio de Janeiro, a football scout can find the "new Ronaldinho", "new Neymar"...

After all, slums still produce football talents - Photo: REUTERS

Many of them cannot become superstars, not because they are not good enough, but because of many reasons related to the way of playing football, lifestyle, culture... From a technically gifted player to an effective star in Europe are two very different things.

But it is only when they return to wear the Brazilian team's jersey that these players truly become themselves.

That is Allan - a midfielder who has fought for 10 years in Europe, and recently defeated Vitinha, Joao Neves... and Botafogo.

It's Alex Telles, who was never good enough at Man United, but is on fire at the FIFA Club World Cup.

Or Gerson, who was unlucky in both of his trips to Europe to find a challenge, and then found himself again in the Flamengo shirt.

Brazilian football today is not just about Vinicius, Raphinha, Rodrygo... Once they are at their best, any Samba dancer is capable of making the football world crazy.

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HUY DANG

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/vi-sao-tuyen-brazil-yeu-nhung-cac-clb-lai-manh-20250621132516189.htm