Marquinhos backs the Seleção and believes in World Cup glory

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·28 November 2025

Marquinhos backs the Seleção and believes in World Cup glory

Speaking to RMC Sport, Marquinhos (31 years old), central defender and captain of Paris Saint-Germain, opened up about Brazil’s undiminished ambition and the evolution of modern football. In this interview, he discusses the World Cup, the current attacking talents, and the major unknown: the return to form of Neymar (33 years old).

Marquinhos: “We always have the greatest ambitions”

“What is Brazil’s objective? Do you have what it takes to become world champions in the United States? We always have the greatest ambitions. We know the road is long, it’s very hard to make it to the end, very difficult. I’ve already played in two World Cups, I see how tough and difficult it is. But it’s our dream, our goal, we’re going to try to give everything to go and win this World Cup.

Marquinhos: “Football is much more physical, there’s less space”

Do you feel this team is progressing with Ancelotti’s arrival? Less attacking talent than before? I think football has changed a bit. Football is much more physical, there’s less space, there’s less time. It’s hard to have a generation like the previous ones. Before us, there was Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, Rivaldo. That’s why people think there aren’t great attacking talents. But if you look at the names, there are some very strong names in our squad. There’s Vinicius, there’s Raphinha, there’s Estevao coming up, Rodrygo… You see, we have names that still make people dream at club level.

Marquinhos: “I hope he gets back to his form”

Do you need Neymar? Do you want him with you at the World Cup? Always! He’s a great friend, he’s a talent. It depends on a lot of things, it depends on how he is, if he’s well, if he’s in form, if physically he’s found his rhythm again. I hope he gets back to his form. If he’s in form and physically well, why not. I really hope he can get back to his best and come to the World Cup.”

The PSG captain sweeps aside the easy nostalgia surrounding the Seleção. Marquinhos knows that comparisons with the golden generations—Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, Rivaldo—create a misleading filter and lead some to see the current Brazil as less talented. In his view, football has changed: less space, more intensity, a game that stifles artists and demands constant explosiveness.

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Yet, he reminds us that the Seleção is not lacking in virtuosos: Vinicius Jr (25 years old), Rodrygo (24 years old), Raphinha (28 years old), and the phenomenon Estevão (18 years old) remain major attacking assets. Regarding Neymar (33 years old), Marquinhos remains clear-eyed and affectionate: if his friend regains his physical form, he remains a rare asset.

Balancing realism and ambition, he argues that Brazil can aim for the title, provided the current generation frees itself from the weight of the past. Today, Brazil is not the favorite for the World Cup, but like Real Madrid at club level, you should never count out this team, this footballing nation.

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