.png)
Brazilian football legend Romario has unleashed a furious broadside, tearing into the national team's performance and singling out coach Carlo Ancelotti, star forward Vinicius Junior, and young striker Endrick after a crushing defeat to Norway that contributed to their 2026 World Cup elimination. The iconic striker held nothing back, demanding immediate changes for the Seleção.
Key Criticisms from Romario:
- Romario vehemently demanded the immediate dismissal of coach Carlo Ancelotti.
- Young striker Endrick was brutally slammed for missing a clear scoring opportunity.
- Vinicius Junior faced scrutiny for perceived lack of leadership on a crucial penalty kick.
- The CBF now faces intense pressure regarding the future direction of the national team.
No Excuses: Endrick's Costly Miss Draws Legend's Ire
Endrick, the highly-touted young star, found himself squarely in Romario's crosshairs after missing a crucial opportunity to equalize. In the 13th minute of the second half, after a brilliant assist from Vinicius Junior, Endrick shot wide, squandering a clear chance.
Romario swiftly dismissed any excuses based on the player's age. "A lot of people are saying: 'Ah, but he's young'. F*ck that he's young, he has to score the damn goal," the legend stated. "Young, mediocre, old, f*ck it. If he's there, he has the responsibility to score, there's no way around it. Endrick's missed goal was his own fault."
Ancelotti's Reign Must End, Demands Romario
The former striker and national idol did not hold back his condemnation of Carlo Ancelotti's management of the Brazilian national team. For Romario, the Norway defeat was an unforgivable disgrace that should lead to the immediate termination of the Italian coach's contract with the Brazilian Football Federation (CBF).
"There's no way Ancelotti can continue being the coach of the Brazilian national team after this fiasco, this shame he caused [against Norway]," Romario exclaimed. "I would tear up that contract and tell him to sue me." The legendary number 11 made it clear that the project's continuation is simply unfeasible after such a significant failure.
Where Was the Leadership? Vini Jr. Under Scrutiny
Not even Vinicius Junior escaped Romario's sharp observations. The veteran questioned the team's hierarchy during a penalty missed by Bruno Guimaraes in the first half of the match. Romario believes the Real Madrid striker, as the team's protagonist, should have taken the penalty himself, disregarding pre-established orders if he felt it was his responsibility.
"I heard and read, regarding the penalty, that Bruno Guimaraes did better than him, that Bruno takes penalties better, that's why the order was for him to take it. Everything's fine, very cool, he respected the coach's order," commented Romario. "But, brother, you have to have attitude. Vini Jr. is the protagonist, he's the best we have in the national team. Take the damn ball, take the penalty and it's solved."
The Seleção's Rocky Road Ahead
Despite the popular clamor and stinging criticism from idols like Romario, the future of the Brazilian national team's coaching staff remains a hot topic behind the scenes at the CBF. While some voices defend keeping Ancelotti for the 2030 cycle, the intense pressure for renewal after the "humiliating defeat" against Norway puts the Italian's position under severe scrutiny. The road ahead for the Seleção is undeniably uncertain.
