In Rio de Janeiro these days, more kids playing soccer on the streets wear jerseys sporting the logos of European clubs than those of teams in the Brazilian league, writes SI.com columnist Tim Vickery. What do you pin that on, the game’s globalization or the failure of Brazilian soccer?
Vickery, who spends a great deal of time studying the game in South America, says it’s a bit of both, though to a certain extent, there doesn’t seem to be much the Brazilian league can do about it. Indeed, the national team, the team that fields the likes of Ronaldinho and Kaka, has become starkly separated from the domestic game. Its players are global brands, gods, so it’s no wonder kids in Brazil these days overlook the domestic game. It simply can’t compete with the Brazil that now belongs more to the rest of the world. Case in point: the national team tour that for the first time sees it playing more of its international friendlies overseas.
Meanwhile, the Brazilian league languishes at home. Players aren’t paid much, stadiums are empty, and financial mismanagement is rampant. Interest is low despite the fact the past two World Club titles went to Brazilian teams. Vickery says the only hope of reversing the trend is Brazil’s bid to host the 2014 World Cup. The country needs to be reminded of where its soccer heritage comes from.