Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Legendary Brazil player Ronaldinho slammed his former side on Saturday (June 15) as he posted an emotional message on his Instagram account. Ronaldinho, who won the 2002 FIFA World Cup with Brazil was critical of the players, claiming they don’t fight for the country’s colours and lack love for the nation while representing. Interestingly, Brazil’s current crop of players consists of Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo who helped Real Madrid win the Champions League title.

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Ronaldinho blasts national side

“This is a sad moment for those who love Brazilian soccer. It’s getting hard to find the spirit to watch the games. This is perhaps one of the worst teams in recent years, it has no respectable leaders, only average players for the majority. I’ve been following football since I was a kid, long before I thought about becoming a player, and I’ve never seen a situation as bad as this. Lack of love for the shirt, lack of grit and the most important of all: football,” Ronaldinho posted on Instagram

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“I’ll repeat, our performance has been one of the worst things I’ve ever seen. Such a shame. I therefore declare my resignation. I will not watch any CONMEBOL Copa America game, nor celebrate any victory,” he added.

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Brazil have not won an international tournament since the 2019 Copa America but their biggest downfall has been in the FIFA World Cup where they will at least go 24 years without the title, even if they succeed in the USA, Mexico and Canada in 2026.  

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On individual terms, no Brazil player has won the Ballon d’Or since 2007 when Kaka won the prestigious honour. However, that drought could come to an end in 2024 with Vinicius Jr firmly considered by many as the frontrunner to win the honour.

Despite being on the receiving end of Ronaldinho’s criticism, Brazil will walk into the Copa America 2024 as one of the hot favourites to win the title. The team will have some major absentees highlighted by Neymar jr who was unable to recover from an injury suffered last October. Richarlison is also nursing an injury while Gabriel Jesus has been dropped for his poor run of form.