For a nation that breathes soccer like oxygen, even a single stumble can spark a storm. However when that stumble turns right into a string of setbacks, and when it includes the likes of Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo, and Neymar, the response is usually swift and unforgiving.
Greater than 14 months earlier than the world turns its eyes to the US, Canada, and Mexico for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, essentially the most profitable nationwide staff in historical past stands getting ready to one more revolution. Brazil, wounded, unsure, and with out path, has made the decision to sack Dorival Junior — however who will lead essentially the most well-known shirt in world soccer? That reply may make headlines for all of the flawed causes, particularly for Neymar, who would possibly face an outdated foe on the bench.
The debacle in Buenos Aires — a crushing 4-1 defeat to everlasting rivals Argentina — left greater than a sporting scar. It opened a wound contained in the Brazilian Soccer Confederation (CBF) and set in movement the tip of Dorival Junior’s quick and troubled reign.
Within the days that adopted, Fabrizio Romano made it official: “Brazil have sacked the coach Dorival Junior after defeat vs Argentina. The choice has been made with fast impact as Brazilian Federation began on the lookout for a alternative.” The CBF added, “Any longer, the CBF will work to discover a alternative.”
NOTA OFICIAL 
A Confederação Brasileira de Futebol informa que o técnico Dorival Júnior não comanda mais a Seleção Brasileira. A direção agradece ao profissional e deseja sucesso na continuidade de sua carreira. A partir de agora, a CBF vai trabalhar em busca do substituto.
Dream known as Ancelotti… however ‘Plan B’ wears Portuguese colours
Brazil nonetheless desires of Carlo Ancelotti. Who wouldn’t? He’s the favourite, admired by Vinicius, revered by Rodrygo, and cherished by many contained in the CBF, as per a number of stories. But, along with his Actual Madrid contract probably conserving him in Spain till mid-2025, the CBF is getting ready for a much less romantic, however extra out there, various. His title? Jorge Jesus.
In accordance with UOL Esporte, the Portuguese coach, at present main Al-Hilal to an astonishing unbeaten season in Saudi Arabia, is the frontrunner if Ancelotti declines. “The CBF sees Jorge Jesus because the most secure and most fast choice as a result of his expertise and availability,” says the report.
At first look, it appears logical. The 70-year-old boss is a serial winner. With Benfica, Flamengo, and now Al-Hilal, trophies have adopted him. In 2019, he grew to become nearly a delusion in Rio de Janeiro after delivering the Copa Libertadores and Brasileirão titles to Flamengo. This season, the reigning winners are nonetheless within the race for a back-to-back title protection.
Neymar’s unfinished enterprise with Jorge Jesus
However soccer is never nearly trophies. Jorge Jesus may convey one thing else to Brazil — controversy. His historical past with Neymar may shake the very core of this dressing room. It was simply months in the past when Jesus brazenly questioned Neymar’s bodily situation throughout their transient time collectively at Al-Hilal. “Neymar can now not play on the degree we have been used to. He’s a world-class participant, however bodily, he hasn’t been in a position to sustain with the staff,” Jesus declared.
It wasn’t only a tactical remark. It was private. The previous Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star, who later returned to Santos in Brazil, fired again with out hiding his frustration. “Clearly, I used to be very upset with Jorge Jesus’ phrases when he stated I didn’t have the aptitude to play like the remainder of the staff,” the 33-year-old confessed.
Now think about these two reunited. May Neymar, Brazil’s world icon, settle for being managed by somebody who publicly doubted him? May Jorge Jesus belief the participant he as soon as noticed as a legal responsibility?
What’s extra, will the CBF give him the keys to the five-time world champions, understanding the Santos captain could not even stroll via the door if Jesus is on the bench? Brazil, nonetheless fourth within the qualifiers and nearly secure because of the brand new 48-team World Cup format, now faces a deeper dilemma — is successful the World Cup price risking a civil warfare within the dressing room?
