Marquinhos rues Brazil exit, hints at end after World Cup | OneFootball

Brazil’s elimination in the Round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup could mark the end of a cycle for one of the squad’s most experienced players. After the 2-1 defeat to Norway this Sunday (5) at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, center back Marquinhos, who came through Corinthians’ youth system, gave an interview in which he took responsibility for the result and also indicated that he is unlikely to be at the next edition of the tournament.

Captain of the team during the competition, the defender said the more experienced players need to take responsibility for the national team’s performance and asked Brazilian fans to support the new generation that will begin the next cycle.

Photo: RAFAEL RIBEIRO/CBF

“As captain, and as one of the older players, I think we have to take the blame so the next generations can have the peace of mind to work. It’s a cycle that starts from now on. We ask people to be patient with the younger players and support them strongly starting now. Now it’s about learning from this lesson, apologizing to the Brazilian people, to everyone who came here and witnessed this. I think it’s about learning from our mistakes and, for those who stay, for the next generations, I ask the people to support them from now on. They have four years to work so they can achieve great things at the next World Cup.”

Brazil ended its World Cup campaign after being beaten 2-1 by the Norwegians. Carlo Ancelotti’s team reached the Round of 16 after advancing as Group C winners and eliminating Japan in the previous round.

In the decisive match, Bruno Guimarães missed a penalty in the first half, with his shot saved by goalkeeper Nyland. In the second half, Haaland scored Norway’s two goals, while Neymar pulled one back for Brazil, also from the penalty spot, in the closing minutes.

Marquinhos’ statement drew attention because it suggested the possibility of a farewell to the national team before the 2030 World Cup. At 32, the defender has spent more than a decade wearing the national team shirt and took part in the 2018, 2022, and 2026 editions of the tournament, as well as five Copa América editions.

A product of Corinthians’ youth academy, Marquinhos was part of the squad that won the 2012 Copa Libertadores before being transferred to Roma in Italy. The following year, he signed for Paris Saint-Germain, where he built an outstanding career, winning domestic and continental titles and establishing himself as one of the top center backs in European football.

With 110 appearances for Brazil, the defender ended the country’s World Cup run as team captain and left his future in the famous yellow and green jersey open after the elimination.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.