<p>The Portuguese coach of Brazilian club Palmeiras, Abel Ferreira, will earn more money than any other coach in the world.</p>



<p>The Brazilian league season ends next month. Abel Ferreira is going to accept a lucrative offer from Qatar and leave his position with the Big Green.</p>



<p>Abel Ferreira has received an ‘irrefutable’ offer from Al Sadd, as reported by the Catalan news outlet <a href="https://www.record.pt/internacional/paises/brasil/detalhe/espanhois-garantem-que-abel-ferreira-tem-proposta-para-passar-a-ser-o-treinador-mais-bem-pago-do-mundo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SPORT</a>. If accepted, the offer would put him ahead of all other soccer managers in terms of salary until 2024.</p>



<p>The 44-year-old manager and the Qatari side are in advanced stages of contract negotiations. The deal should close after <a href="https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/soccer/how-to-watch-palmeiras-on-us-tv/ar-AA1kA6Rh" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Palmeiras</a>‘ season finale in early December. The deal, when finalized, would make Abel the highest-paid manager in the world, surpassing even Pep Guardiola and Diego Simeone.</p>



<p>From 2019 until 2021, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/barcelona-tv-schedule/">Barcelona</a> icon Xavi coached Al Sadd. Their conditions are characterized in the article as ‘financially, irrefutable’ and the ‘chance of a lifetime’, indicating that the Qatari club are committed to spending a lot of money to achieve their goal.</p>



<h2>How has Abel Ferreira fared at Palmeiras?</h2>



<p>As the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/brasileirao-tv-schedule-and-streaming-links/">Campeonato Brasileiro</a> enters its final stages, Palmeiras are embroiled in a fierce struggle to retain the Brazilian championship. With two games to go, they have the lead over Botafogo by three points.</p>



<p>The latter team are in terrible form with four draws and a defeat in the last five games. Once Ferreira arrived in Brazil and assumed leadership of Palmeiras in November 2020, he immediately began to achieve success.</p>



<p>During his tenure in Sao Paulo, Abel won several trophies, including the Brazilian championship last year and the Copa Libertadores medals in consecutive years. In addition to his accomplishments in Brazil, Ferreira has coached in Europe, most notably at PAOK Thessaloniki and Braga.</p>



<h2>Portuguese coach is Endrick’s mentor</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://media.worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/12/16052424/Abel-Ferreira-Endrick-1200x675-1200x675.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-474374" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></div><figcaption>Abel Ferreira has helped Endrick develop into one of the game’s rising stars.</figcaption></figure>



<p>The overwhelming demands of Brazil’s fixture calendar almost caused Abel to abandon his post just last month. He went on to say that everyone is affected by the hectic pace of Brazilian soccer.</p>



<p>He had the bright idea that they could minimize coach complaints by getting more sleep and ‘oxygen’ so they would not make as many blunders. Ferreira has also made light of the fact that he got an overwhelming number of cards in the past.</p>



<p>He made a sarcastic comment about how great it was that he could lead the squad from the luxury of his sofa while staying home to enjoy his family during games. In addition to discussing this, he has talked about his hopes for Endrick’s future at Real Madrid and the traits he sees in the player.</p>



<p>“Endrick is a case in which everything happened very quickly. He always played above his category. When he reached the professional team, he had other competitions, stronger player levels, with other difficulties, but he is a young man with a lot of character, with a good heart, who listens a lot, who wants to learn. He is a born finisher.</p>



<p>“He is not a player who is from the area, but who appears, has a lot of mobility, likes to attack space. With the right and left, he is easy to shoot on goal and he has goals. That is very good for him. If we are calm, we water this plant with the necessary water, I have no doubt that in three, four years it can be a world reference”, <a href="https://www.uol.com.br/esporte/futebol/ultimas-noticias/2023/11/12/abel-ferreira-endrick-palmeiras-internacional.htm" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">he said</a>.</p>



<p><em>PHOTOS: IMAGO</em></p>


Portuguese coach poised to earn highest salary in world

Neither Pep Guardiola nor Diego Simeone, a coach from Portugal, Abel Ferreira, will likely become the highest-paid coach in the world.

<p>Brazilian soccer authorities have banned American businessman John Textor for 30 days due to recent comments during an epic pitchside rant. Textor, 58, currently owns a stake in many soccer clubs around the globe, including Brazilian side <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/botafogo-tv-schedule-for-us-viewers/">Botafogo</a>.</p>



<p>The American was fuming after his club’s 4-3 defeat against <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/palmeiras-tv-schedule-for-viewers-in-united-states/">Palmeiras</a> on Nov. 1. Botafogo held a 3-0 lead before the halftime break. However, the visitors stormed back thanks to a game-winning goal nine minutes into added time. </p>



<p>A controversial red card late in the game fueled the comeback from Palmeiras. Botafogo center-back Adryelson exited for a dangerous tackle in the 76th minute. VAR officials reviewed the incident at length but stuck with the call.</p>



<h2>Botafogo executive Textor called on Brazilian soccer president to resign</h2>



<p>Textor took issue with the massive decision during an interview directly after the match. The American went as far as claiming that corruption hindered the game and even called on Ednaldo Rodrigues, the Brazilian Football Confederation president, to step down due to the controversy.</p>



<p>“The whole world saw it. That is not a red card, he got the ball first,” Textor <a href="https://twitter.com/worldsoccertalk/status/1720087029739049193" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">told</a> a <em>SporTV</em> reporter. “It is not a red card. [The referee] changed the game. This is corruption, this is theft. Please fine me, Ednaldo [Rodrigues], but you need to resign tomorrow morning. That’s what needs to happen.”</p>



<p>“This championship has become a joke. Nobody deserves this. Ednaldo, you need to resign for the good of the game. It has to be over now.”</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">It&apos;s been a rough week for American entrepreneur John Textor who owns Lyon and Botafogo among many teams. <br><br>Botafogo were winning 3-0 but lost 4-3 after a goal was scored in 99th min. Corruption? Hmm. <a href="https://t.co/PP5VFymyqz">pic.twitter.com/PP5VFymyqz</a></p>— World Soccer Talk (@worldsoccertalk) <a href="https://twitter.com/worldsoccertalk/status/1720087029739049193?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 2, 2023</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



<p>Along with Botafogo, Textor also currently owns French club <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/lyon-tv-schedule-for-us-viewers/">Lyon</a>, Belgian side RWD Molenbeek, and OL Reign of the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/nwsl-tv-schedule-and-streaming-links/">NWSL</a>. The American previously purchased a 40% stake in <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/premier-league-tv-schedule/">Premier League</a> team <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/crystal-palace-tv-schedule/">Crystal Palace</a> as well.</p>



<p>Botafogo finished 11th in the Brazilian <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/brasileirao-tv-schedule-and-streaming-links/">Serie A</a> during Textor’s first season at the helm. Nevertheless, the club currently sits atop the table in the current campaign. The recent result against Palmeiras, however, did have a significant impact on the title race. Palmeiras, the reigning Serie A champions, are now level on points with Botafogo. Textor’s team does have an extra game in hand compared to their rivals.</p>



<h2>Brazil superstar also recently feuded with Rodrigues</h2>



<p>The recent rant by Textor towards Rodrigues comes just weeks after Neymar vented frustrations at the exec. Following Brazil’s draw at home against <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/nations/venezuela-national-team-tv-schedule/">Venezuela</a> in mid-October, Neymar <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/neymar-bashes-brazil-federation-president-for-game-location-20231016-WST-462406.html">confronted</a> Rodrigues in the tunnel. The superstar was not thrilled with the decision to play the match in the city of Cuiaba.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://media.worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/11/16053513/Palmeiras-Botafogo-1200x675-1200x675.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-468187" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></div><figcaption>Palmeiras made parity out of the Brasileirão with its win over Botafogo that Textor complained about.</figcaption></figure>



<p>Fans inside the stadium were also not happy with Neymar’s performance in the game. Some supporters of the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/nations/brazil-national-team-tv-schedule/">Brazil</a> national team even threw popcorn at the Al Hilal forward. Neymar then threatened to sit out the team’s next match against <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/nations/uruguay-national-team-tv-schedule/">Uruguay</a>. </p>



<p>Nevertheless, the star eventually cooled down and traveled with his teammates for the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup-qualifiers-tv-schedule/">World Cup qualifier</a>. Uruguay eventually beat Brazil on the night, their first win over their rivals in over 20 years. Neymar started the match for caretaker manager Fernando Diniz but was substituted just before halftime due to an injury.</p>



<p><em>PHOTOS: IMAGO</em></p>


US entrepreneur banned for 30 days for Botafogo outburst

Botafogo owner John Textor has been given a 30-day suspension by Brazilian soccer authorities for a recent pitchside rant.

<p>Some young players are already on top of the world, like Erling Haaland, Vinicius Junior, Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, Pedri and more, this column was designed to shine a light on the players inches away from breaking into the front stage of world soccer.</p>



<p>It would be easy to pick from the numerous Brazilians close to making big moves. Vitor Roque, Marcos Leonardo and Luan Cândido all come to mind. It also wouldn’t be hard to pick from the <a href="https://www.insidesport.in/golden-boy-2022-shortlist-pedri-eduardo-camavinga-anthony-elanga-jude-bellingham-make-100-man-shortlist-for-2022-golden-boy-award-check-full-shortlist/">Golden Boy shortlist</a>. Jamal Musiala, Gavi, Xavi Simons, Florian Wirtz and more may be one of the best wonderkids currently playing. The players on the list not only are under the radar but are also from all corners of the globe.</p>



<p>These players are all already involved with their national team’s setup. That could be the senior team or at the youth levels. Most importantly, they’re names that we will hear a lot more of come the next few seasons. All these players are close to a breakout season, whether it’s with a different club or a new role in a new-look team. Whittling down the list to just six players, especially with all of the youth tournaments that took place this year. However, these six players have an overwhelming chance to have a good, long career in soccer.</p>



<h5>Joe Scally (Monchengladbach, RB)</h5>



<p>The Stars and Stripes’ very own Joe Scally has shown a lot of exciting talent. A <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/category/nycfc/">New York City FC</a> academy product, he made the move across the Atlantic, directly joining Gladbach for just $2 million. Since then, he’s played in 30 games and scored one goal. The right-back has even won four caps, recently starting the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/usmnt-defeats-canada-to-win-second-nations-league-title-20230619-WST-438494.html">CONCACAF Nations League Final against Canada</a> and putting in an impressive shift.</p>



<p>What’s so impressive about Scally is his defensive work rate and solid tackling. He’s aggressive and will never shy away from a 1v1. On the offensive end, he is a decent passer, both playing the ball out of the back, fighting off the press, or sending in crosses. Chances are, Scally plays second fiddle to Sergiño Dest for a long time. Yet, there’s a solid chance Gregg Berhalter will give him more playing time thanks to his 2022/23 breakout season.</p>



<h5>Fran García (Real Madrid, LB)</h5>



<p>Fran Garcia is one of the world’s most exciting wing-backs thanks to his startling speed and athleticism that helps him strike fear in the eyes of opposing defenders. Despite his solid season at Rayo, we haven’t seen the full extent of Garcia’s skill and athleticism. His breakout season came this year after he moved from <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/real-madrid-tv-schedule/">Real Madrid</a> last July, where he got little to no first-team experience, to Rayo Vallecano for the price of $2.1 million. He played well throughout the season, starting 40 total games while scoring two goals and assisting three. His splendid performances throughout the season turned the eye of Real, who triggered his buy-back clause for $5.5 million.&nbsp;</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-youtube"><iframe loading="lazy" title="Fran García, new REAL MADRID PLAYER" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/EJxONIN9lBw?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>
</div></figure>



<p>Garcia is a very agile, speedy wing-back. He not only uses his acceleration to sneakily steal the ball and hawk down attackers on the wing but he’s proved a valuable asset on offense, kickstarting counter-attacks and providing valuable overlaps for his team. He can dribble and carry the ball forward, and despite his 5’5 frame, he reads the game very well, which means he can win a lot of tackles and interceptions.</p>



<h5>Cesare Casadei (Chelsea U21, CM)</h5>



<p>Casadei earned his reputation as a free-moving, goal-scoring midfielder with Italy U20s in the <a href="https://www.fifa.com/fifaplus/en/tournaments/mens/u20worldcup">U20 World Cup</a>, where he led <em>Gli Azzurini</em> to a spot in the finals. Casadei won both the Golden Boot and the Golden Ball to cap off an impressive 2022-23 season. After moving through Inter’s youth levels, he moved across the Channel to Chelsea for a whopping $16.3 million. Since then, he’s played with both Chelsea’s U21 squad and Reading. This season, he scored six goals and added an assist in 28 total games. But the U20 World Cup turned eyes, so much so that senior scouts for Chelsea recommend he stay in the Blues’ senior team.</p>



<p>Casadei has been described as a mezzala (half-winger in Italian), a hybrid between a central midfielder and a winger. He drifts deep and sets up his attackers with incisive through-balls and exciting through-balls. He joins the attack often, which explains the number of goals he gets. He’s dominant in the air, capable of dribbling with both feet and a great passer with absurd vision. He’s also a solid defender; his physicality helps him win a lot of tackles and he’s aggressive with his challenges. These qualities help him play as a #6, a #8, and even a #10.</p>



<h5>Adama Bojang (Steve Biko FC, ST)</h5>



<p>Adama Bojang started rising to the top of European club’s shortlists during his phenomenal African Cup of Nations U20 performance, where he scored four goals in six games for the Gambia en route to an appearance in the final and a spot in the Africa Cup of Nations U20’s team of the tournament. He headlined the Gambia’s U20 World Cup squad, scoring two goals in four total games. Despite playing in a relatively unknown Gambian team in Steve Biko FC, he’s attracted attention from Al Ahly, Tottenham, Nottingham Forest, and the most likely option, Strasbourg.</p>



<p>His ability to burst past defenders on the dribble hold up the ball for sprinting teammates, and his finishing touch makes him a solid striker who has a chance to play first-team football in the top 5 leagues in the next three seasons. He’s super athletic and agile but still has a lot of strength and size, which has allowed him to torment a lot of defenders. He isn’t just size though. He has the intelligence to make some beautiful runs, and he sees the game clearly.</p>



<h5>Naoki Kumata (FC Tokyo, CF)</h5>



<p>Naoki Kumata has burst onto the scene after finishing as the top scorer in the AFC U-20 Asian Cup. He was relatively unknown before the youth tournament. After scoring five goals in five matches, he was promoted from FC Tokyo’s U18 squad to the senior team. He’s since attracted interest from Liverpool and Real Madrid for a transfer this summer or the next.</p>



<p>Kumata stands at 5’11 and weighs in at 174 pounds, meaning his build resembles a very physical, strong target forward. He’s strong in the air, can hold the ball up, and can fight off bigger defenders. Despite that, he’s also very comfortable with the ball; he can dribble the ball in transition and make some very cutting, line-breaking passes. He’s like Erling Haaland with a little less athleticism and explosiveness, and a little more technique and ball control.&nbsp;</p>



<h5>Endrick (Palmeiras, CF)</h5>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-youtube"><iframe loading="lazy" title="Endrick, FUTURE REAL MADRID PLAYER" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZyBxrOrxp78?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>
</div></figure>



<p><a href="https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/37634856/real-madrid-agree-deal-sign-endrick-palmeiras">Endrick will move to Real Madrid in July 2024</a> in a blockbuster $41 million deal, and it’s not for nothing. He’s starred for Palmeiras across multiple big youth competitions. He’s also won multiple awards and titles for his goalscoring record and his flashy technique. Before he’d played six games for the Palmeiras senior team, he’d already agreed to sign with Real Madrid when he turned 18. In the meantime, he’s earned call-ups to numerous Brazilian national youth teams. He’s starred in Palmeiras’ Brasileiro-contending squad while earning comparisons to Cristiano Ronaldo, Romario, and Pele.</p>



<p>Endrick has such good ball control that it looks like his foot is stuck to the ball sometimes. In addition to his electric style of play and athleticism, he has a lot of technique and a finishing touch. It helps he can move around and play different positions; he can play as a center forward, right winger, or left winger. And, despite his stocky build, he is still pretty strong.</p>



<p><em>PHOTO: IMAGO / Sports Press Photo</em></p>


Why these 6 are the hottest up-and-coming players in soccer

There are a lot of up-and-coming soccer players entering the world soccer stage. Here are six you need to know about.

featured

<p>Spanish giants <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/real-madrid-tv-schedule/">Real Madrid</a> have reportedly agreed a massive fee with Palmeiras for wonderkid Endrick. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has suggested that the 16-year-old striker will cost around $75 million. Because of his age, the player can’t technically move to Real until he turns 18 in the summer of 2024.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Understand Endrick will sign a contract valid until June 2030 with Real Madrid. It’s gonna be a six year deal. 🚨⚪️🇧🇷 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RealMadrid?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RealMadrid</a><br><br>It will be valid starting from June 2024 until June 2030.<br><br>Impressive for a boy born in 2006 who’s gonna cost €60m plus €12m taxes. <a href="https://t.co/Gma8dUj33e">pic.twitter.com/Gma8dUj33e</a></p>— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) <a href="https://twitter.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1600878234115403777?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 8, 2022</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



<p>The six-year deal will keep Endrick at the Spanish club until 2030. For now though, the youngster will try to advance his game with his current Brazilian club.</p>



<p>The two sides agreed to a transfer fee. However, the deal is far from final. Endrick still has to to agree to the move and sign a contract with Real as well. However, these hurdles are not expected to be difficult negations.</p>



<h2>Real Madrid win Endrick sweepstakes</h2>



<p><a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/chelsea-tv-schedule/">Chelsea</a> and <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/psg-tv-schedule/">Paris Saint-Germain</a> also expressed interest in the teenager, but perhaps baulked at the price tag. Endrick’s release clause was supposedly in the $63 million range. Real exceeded the clause in attempts to fend off competition, as well as pay for the appropriate taxes involved.</p>



<p>Despite the hefty fee, Endrick has only played seven senior <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/brasileirao-tv-schedule-and-streaming-links/">Brasileirao</a> games for his club. In fact, the striker just made his Brazilian league debut two months ago. Nevertheless, the teen helped Palmeiras win the title for the 2022 season. The triumph was the Brazilian club’s record 11th title in their illustrious history.</p>



<h5>Impressive record despite senior experience</h5>



<p>Endrick also became the youngest goalscorer in team history when his netted a brace in his fourth senior appearance. The two goals came against Athletico Paranaense on October 25th.</p>



<p>Although he won’t be in Spain until 2024, Real could then have an <a href="https://twitter.com/realmadrid/status/1597364717869301761" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">all-Brazilian front line</a>. Along with Endrick at center forward, the reigning <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/la-liga-tv-schedule/">LaLiga</a> champions also have Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo as well. Vinicius, 22, typically features on the left flank, while Rodrygo, 21, is usually deployed on the right.</p>



<p><em>PHOTO: IMAGO / Fotoarena</em></p>


Real Madrid agree fee for teenage star Endrick

Real Madrid has reportedly agreed a massive fee with Palmeiras for teenage prodigy Endrick, even if he cannot move for a couple years.

<div id="attachment_355640" style="width: 1034px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><div><figure class="image"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-355640" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-355640" src="https://media.worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/2021/11/GettyImages-1346660650-1024x712.webp" alt="Brazil&apos;s dominance in world soccer" width="1024" height="712" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure></div><p id="caption-attachment-355640" class="wp-caption-text">Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images</p></div>
<p>Brazil’s dominance in the soccer world is one of historic and current significance. Of course, we all know how the nation leads all countries in World Cup Championships. The country consistently produces world-class players that dominate the club scene. Now, Brazil is expanding their domestic output to match the game’s global development.</p>
<p>Twelve games into CONMEBOL’s FIFA World Cup qualification, and Brazil are on top. With a mind-boggling 31 points in eleven games, the Brazilians look set to qualify for the World Cup. They possess an 18-point buffer from missing out on World Cup action.</p>
<p>The Copa Libertadores Final takes place on November 27. The two finalists, Flamengo and Palmeiras, are both Brazilian. Five of the eight quarterfinalists hailed from Brazil in the 2021 Copa Libertadores.</p>
<p>Similarly, the Copa Sudamericana Final features two Brazilian teams. On November 20, Athletico Paranaense takes on Red Bull Bragantino. Brazil’s dominance appeared in the group stage of South America’s Europa-League-equivalent. Four Brazilian clubs qualified for the knockout stages.</p>
<p>Other South American nations pump out talent as well. However, Brazil remains a head above their competition.</p>
<h3>Brazil’s soccer identity</h3>
<div id="attachment_355619" style="width: 1210px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><div><figure class="image"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-355619" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-355619" src="https://media.worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/2021/11/Brazil-World-Cup-Fans-1-1200x606.webp" alt="" width="1200" height="606" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></div><p id="caption-attachment-355619" class="wp-caption-text">Brazilian fans celebrate during the 2014 World Cup.</p></div>
<blockquote><p><em>“If you are first, you are first. If you are second, you are nothing.” </em></p></blockquote>
<p>Pele’s famous word epitomize Brazil’s dominance throughout the world’s game. The Brazilians try their hardest to win, and when they don’t, they don’t take it well.</p>
<p>It’s no secret that Brazil is a soccer nation. With so many players coming out of the large country, one wonders why Brazil churns out so much world-class talent.</p>
<p>Many Brazilians joked that soccer is their second religion. But, in reality, it is not too far off from the truth.</p>
<p>Exposure to a significant amount of soccer makes you want to play more often. Brazil bleeds the familiar yellow and blue jerseys of the Brazilian soccer team. It has seen more and more success as it becomes more and more popular.</p>
<p>A heavy emphasis on futsal could also be why Brazil has so many talented players. Futsal, an indoor and smaller version of soccer. It prioritizes ball control, quick bursts of passing and creativity. The sport holds a special place in the culture of Brazil.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, part of the reason for its heightened popularity comes from the impoverished public in Brazil. <a href="https://borgenproject.org/tag/poverty-in-brazil/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Millions of Brazilians live in Favelas</a>, the slums of major cities like Rio de Janeiro, <span>São Paulo and </span>Ceilândia. The lack of development due to wealth imbalance contributes to the youth learning to play in tight areas on roads, concrete or dirt. Even then, young stars in Brazil make the most of their time. They develop fast reflexes, stunning balance, eye-opening ball-control, and dexterousness with the ball through the air.</p>
<p>Neymar is the perfect example of that. His rainbow flicks, body feints, and elasticos are a staple of his soccer style that much of Brazil replicates.</p>
<h3>Brazil’s dominance across club competitions</h3>
<p>Most soccer fans lament the ‘woeful’ Brazilian league. A young, albeit ill-prepared, Brazilian phenom leaves home to play for one of Europe’s best clubs. What happens next is unpredictable. Some, like Neymar from Santos and Vinicius Jr. from Flamengo, turn out to be world-class. Others erase themselves from the history book thanks to their sheer mediocrity. It is certainly a gamble, but clubs take that risk with a number of success stories.</p>
<div id="attachment_355622" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><div><figure class="image"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-355622" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-355622 size-medium" src="https://media.worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/2021/11/Neymar-against-Croatia-1-300x184-300x184.webp" alt="" width="300" height="184" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px"></figure></div><p id="caption-attachment-355622" class="wp-caption-text">Neymar takes on two Croatian defenders in the 2014 World Cup.</p></div>
<p>Furthermore, no country has more players in foreign leagues than Brazil. In 2019, <a href="https://www.statista.com/statistics/1080755/foreign-players-european-soccer-nation/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">466 Brazilians played in European competition</a>. That is more than any other country in terms of having players outside of their country of origin.</p>
<p>Brazil has a wealth of home-grown players to rely on at the club level, regardless of how many wunderkinds leave for Europe. Only 11% of soccer players playing in the Brazilian Serie A are foreigners. 64% of players playing in the English Premier League aren’t English. Spain (41%), the United States (57%), Mexico (41%) aren’t far off from the English.</p>
<h5><span>Brasileirão Série A</span></h5>
<p>The percentage numbers that the <span>Brasileirão Série A </span>has are the norm for South American soccer leagues. What separates the Brazilians from the rest of South America is the commitment and sheer number of Brazilians that go through the youth academies every day.</p>
<p>Now through the years, there has been another narrative. Veteran Brazilians have returned to their homelands to mentor young players. Diego Costa, Hulk, and Willian are examples of this.</p>
<p>When they do, it’s a win-win situation. The veterans are closer to their families, mentor the youth, and enjoy a stress-free time away from global media. The young players receive valuable input from the vets while also competing with some of the best players the world has ever seen.</p>
<p>The Brazilian Serie A also acts as a feeder league for Europe’s elite. Due to Brazil’s volatile economy, Brazil’s sides must resort to selling their most skilled youth to EPL, LaLiga and Serie A so they can fend off bankruptcy. Yet, we could be rocketing towards an era like the heydays of the Brazilian Serie A. As Brazil’s economy, carried by coffee profits, continues to improve, so will the status of Brazilian clubs everywhere.</p>
<h5>South American Competition</h5>
<p>We can look at the Copa Libertadores records to attest to the strength of Brazilian leagues. Although the Argentine teams <a href="https://interestingfootball.com/list-of-copa-libertadores-all-time-winners-most-successful-teams/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">claim the most titles</a>, Brazil’s dominance slipped in the Final, but teams from the nation do have the most appearances in championship games. In the Copa Sudamericana, they are second, only behind Argentina, in club titles.</p>
<p>Brazil’s dominance is even more clear in the Copa Libertadores Femenina. The Brazilians won the competition nine times in twelve years, a staggering number. World-class players like Barbara, Cristiane, Beatriz, and Formiga all dominated the continental competition.</p>
<h3>Is Brazil Better Than England?</h3>
<p>England lays claim as being the home of the sport at large. However, Brazil might do it best, at least compared to their English counterparts.</p>
<p>It’s also a good marker for the FA and CBF to judge the progress of the competitions and leagues they create.</p>
<p>The Brazilians played England 26 times. The South American side has 11 wins, 11 draws and just four losses. The Brazilians’ sheer enthusiasm for soccer, their unique approach to the game and their massive population aids the <em>Canarinho’s</em> case in the matchup.</p>
<p>But, with club soccer, the odds are more tilted towards the English. Of course, the European game dominates the club side of the sport. Manchester City, Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea and more are make significant leaps in quality each year.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Brazil falls behind. The English have top-tier facilities, an endless amount of money, and youth academies that help develop players. The Brazilians may challenge the English in terms of youth development, but first-team production is not close across the league.</p>
<p>But, significant advancements are being made. With the emergence of more talent and funds, there is a newfound hope for Brazilian club soccer. As for the <span>Seleção</span>, things can only get better for the star-studded roster.</p>
<div class="ckeditor-em"><iframe loading="lazy" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1145712904&amp;color=%23ff5500&amp;auto_play=false&amp;hide_related=false&amp;show_comments=true&amp;show_user=true&amp;show_reposts=false&amp;show_teaser=true&amp;visual=true" width="100%" height="300" frameborder="no" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>
<div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc; line-break: anywhere; word-break: normal; overflow: hidden; white-space: nowrap; text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif; font-weight: 100;"><a style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;" title="World Soccer Talk Podcast" href="https://soundcloud.com/worldsoccertalk" target="_blank" rel="noopener">World Soccer Talk Podcast</a> · <a style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;" title="Premier League Eyes $3 Billion Rights Deal In U.S." href="https://soundcloud.com/worldsoccertalk/premier-league-eyes-3-billion-rights-deal-in-us" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Premier League Eyes $3 Billion Rights Deal In U.S.</a></div>


Breaking down Brazil's dominance in world soccer

Brazil's dominance in the soccer world transcends continents. Consistently great talents make the nation one of the best for the sport.

Breaking down Brazil's dominance in world soccer - World Soccer Talk

Latest news from Palmeiras. Find out about all the news related to Palmeiras on worldsoccertalk.com

ALL POSTS TAGGED "Palmeiras - Page 4"

News

Portuguese coach poised to earn highest salary in world

News

US entrepreneur banned for 30 days for Botafogo outburst

News

Why these 6 are the hottest up-and-coming players in soccer

News

Real Madrid agree fee for teenage star Endrick

Brazil

Breaking down Brazil's dominance in world soccer