In a wide-ranging interview, Brazilian football legend Ronaldo has called on his country to return to developing clinical strikers, noting that the current generation has lost the predatory instinct that once defined the Seleção. The two-time World Cup winner, who scored 62 goals in 98 appearances for Brazil, pointed out that the country has not produced a truly world-class number nine since the early 2000s, a period when players like Romário, Ronaldo himself, and Adriano terrorized defenses around the globe.
Ronaldo, 48, highlighted that modern forwards are asked to do far more off the ball — pressing opponents, dropping into midfield, and contributing to build-up play — which fundamentally changes the profile of the traditional goal machine. He acknowledged the excessive pressure placed on young talents but insisted that Brazil must actively support and train strikers who specialize in finishing. This call comes as Brazil prepare for a Round of 16 clash against Japan, having finished top of Group C with a perfect record.
Brazil's Strikers Through the Decades
Historically, Brazil has boasted an almost uninterrupted line of elite center-forwards. In the 1970s, Pelé redefined the role as a complete forward. The 1980s saw Careca lead the line with lethal precision. In the 1990s, Romário combined arrogance with unmatched close-range finishing, while Ronaldo introduced a blend of pace, power, and dribbling that made him arguably the most feared striker of all time. Adriano, nicknamed 'the Emperor', followed in the mid-2000s before physical decline curtailed his brilliance.
Since Adriano's prime, Brazil has struggled to produce a consistent goalscorer. Roberto Firmino, Gabriel Jesus, Richarlison, and now Matheus Cunha have all been tried, but none have reached the heights of their predecessors. Cunha, currently the first-choice center-forward, has scored three goals in three matches at this World Cup, yet Ronaldo believes the overall pool of pure finishers remains thin. In his view, the country's youth academies must place greater emphasis on the art of scoring above all else.
The Evolution of the Forward Role
The modern game demands versatility. False nines, wide forwards, and pressing machines have replaced the static poacher. Managers like Pep Guardiola and Jürgen Klopp have popularized systems where every outfield player participates in defense and transition. This tactical shift has made it harder for a single striker to focus solely on goals. However, Ronaldo argues that Brazil's identity was built on individuals who could decide matches with a single touch, and losing that unique skill set has contributed to the 24-year World Cup drought since 2002.
The former Barcelona, Inter Milan, and Real Madrid star also pointed to the mental burden placed on young Brazilian stars. Markets, media, and fans expect them to inherit the legacy of Pelé, Romário, and himself. This pressure, combined with the physical demands of European football, often stifles natural goal-scoring instincts. Ronaldo cited the case of Vinícius Júnior, who arrived at Real Madrid as a winger but has occasionally been deployed centrally; while effective, he does not fit the traditional striker mold.
Brazil's Current Campaign
Under the leadership of Dorival Júnior, Brazil have shown signs of recovery after a turbulent qualification campaign. The team has relied on a fluid attack featuring Vinícius Júnior, Rodrygo, Raphinha, and Matheus Cunha, with Neymar absent through injury. Cunha's three goals in the group stage have been crucial, but many pundits question whether he can consistently deliver against top-tier defenses. Brazil's next test is a resilient Japan side that topped their group with disciplined defending and quick counter-attacks.
Ronaldo remains cautiously optimistic, stating that France, Spain, Argentina, and Germany are the main threats to Brazil's title ambitions. He praised the depth of France, the technical quality of Spain, the collective spirit of Argentina, and the tactical flexibility of Germany. However, he insisted that Brazil still possess enough talent to win the tournament, provided they can rediscover the killer instinct in front of goal.
Reforming Youth Development in Brazil
Ronaldo's comments have reignited debate within Brazilian football about how to reform youth academies. In the past decade, the country has exported a high volume of young talent to Europe at an early age, often before their finishing abilities are fully honed. Clubs like São Paulo, Flamengo, and Palmeiras have modernized their training methods, but the emphasis on athleticism and multi-functionality has sometimes come at the cost of specialized goal scoring.
Some analysts argue that the Brazilian domestic league itself has changed, with fewer traditional number nines emerging from the Campeonato Brasileiro. Instead, wingers and attacking midfielders dominate, while center-forwards are often imported from Argentina or Colombia. Ronaldo believes that a conscious effort to identify and nurture young talents with a pure finishing instinct—players who live for goals—could restore Brazil's edge.
He also praised the role of mentorship, recalling how veterans like Romário and Bebeto guided him early in his career. Today, there are fewer veteran strikers available to pass on that knowledge, as most elite players retire early or transition into management. Ronaldo himself has remained involved in the game through ownership stakes in clubs like Cruzeiro and Real Valladolid, but he insists that direct coaching of young forwards is a priority for the CBF.
Comparisons with Other Nations
When asked how Brazil compares to other footballing powers, Ronaldo noted that Argentina has successfully produced world-class strikers in the mold of Gabriel Batistuta, Sergio Agüero, and more recently Lautaro Martínez and Julián Álvarez. France has a glut of forwards including Kylian Mbappé, Olivier Giroud, and Marcus Thuram. Even smaller nations like Uruguay continue to develop clinical finishers like Luis Suárez and Edinson Cavani. Brazil's relative drought in the number nine position stands out.
The solution, according to Ronaldo, lies not in copying other systems but in returning to Brazil's roots. The country's unique football culture encourages creativity and individual brilliance. By creating specialized striker training modules within youth academies, and by giving young strikers more playing time in professional matches, Brazil can reverse the trend.
He also addressed the intense media scrutiny that follows every Brazilian team. The weight of expectation can be crushing, as evidenced by the psychological struggles of many players. Ronaldo advised that mental health support should be integrated into athlete development, so young strikers can handle pressure while staying focused on their primary job: scoring goals.
As the Round of 16 approaches, Brazil fans will be hoping that Matheus Cunha and his teammates can prove their former idol wrong by delivering the goals needed to bring the trophy home. But Ronaldo's broader message is clear: long-term success requires a systemic overhaul, not just a quick fix. Brazil must once again become a factory for clinical strikers.
Source: MSN News