Brazil legend Kaká has called for major changes in the country’s football system, warning that the five-time world champions risk falling behind other nations if they fail to develop a long-term plan for the future.
The former Ballon d’Or winner believes Brazil must use the next four years before the next FIFA World Cup to rebuild its football structure, with a strong focus on youth development and restoring the traditional identity that made Brazilian football famous around the world.
According to Kaká, recent World Cup performances have exposed problems within Brazilian football and served as a warning sign that immediate action is needed.
“These World Cup moments are giving these signs that we’re falling behind,” Kaká said, stressing that Brazilian football authorities must create a project that involves both the senior national team and the lower age groups.
The 2007 Ballon d’Or winner added that Brazil must work towards bringing back the country’s football DNA, which has historically been associated with creativity, technical ability, attacking football and producing world-class talents.
“We need to try to bring back that Brazilian football DNA,” he said.
Brazil remains the most successful nation in World Cup history with five titles, but the country has struggled to repeat the dominance of previous generations.
The Seleção have not reached a World Cup final since their triumph in 2002, while their last two tournaments ended in disappointing quarter-final exits.
The decline has raised concerns among former players, fans and football experts, who believe Brazil needs improvements in player development, coaching structures and tactical preparation.
Many have argued that while Brazil continues to produce talented individuals, the country needs a stronger system to transform those talents into a competitive national team.
Kaká’s comments come at a time when Brazilian football is searching for a new direction. The country has traditionally relied on producing exceptional players from a young age, but increased competition from other football nations has reduced Brazil’s advantage.
