Corinthians icon Edílson Capetinha recalls World Cup drama | OneFootball

A world champion with the Brazilian National Team in 2002 and one of the standout names in Corinthians’ recent history, Edílson Capetinha recalled moments from his career and shared details about the routine players experience during a World Cup. In an interview with Estádio Total, the former forward spoke about the structure provided by national teams, the importance of family support during the tournament, and the feeling of winning the biggest title in world football.

According to Edílson, the environment within a national team delegation during a World Cup gives athletes all the necessary conditions to keep their focus exclusively on the matches. The former player highlighted the support of different professionals and the interaction among the athletes as important factors during the competition.

Photo: Pisco Del Gaiso/Placar

“Day-to-day life is wonderful. We eat well, we have daily support, physical training, physiology, psychological support. In there, you’re together with the players and you become a family. The atmosphere is really good and we have all the conditions to deliver our best on the field,” Edílson said.

Despite the level of concentration required during the World Cup, the former forward stressed that contact with family also plays a fundamental role in maintaining the players’ emotional balance throughout the competition.

“We can’t lose focus, but we do have important contact with our family. Family gives energy and strength to those of us who are there focused. Family is very important. Of course, we have to stay focused on the job, especially because it’s a unique opportunity and we have little time there in pursuit of a goal. Nothing from outside can influence what happens inside,” he said.

Recalling his path in the 2002 World Cup, held in South Korea and Japan, Edílson pointed out that Brazil’s fifth world title campaign was marked by victories in every match played by the national team.

The former forward said that the most memorable moment of his career was precisely lifting the World Cup trophy, emphasizing the significance of representing the country and fulfilling the goal of winning the title.

“The hardest part is when you lose a match, right? At the 2002 World Cup, I didn’t get that taste of losing even a little game. We won them all. The happiest moment is when you win a World Cup. Duty fulfilled. You went there with the mission of becoming champion and bringing joy to Brazilians. You go out there and you do it. It’s the greatest joy in the world,” he stated.

Edílson also commented on the impact a world title has on a player’s career. For the former Corinthians player, winning the World Cup represents a recognition that lasts a lifetime.

“When you play and especially when you win, you are remembered for the rest of your life. No amount of money can pay for that. There are no difficulties in football for a guy who sets out with that goal and achieves it. I think it shows that the difficulties he faced throughout life were worthwhile and meaningful, because the world champion title validates all the effort you made throughout your entire career. It’s the highest point we can reach,” he concluded.

Wearing the Corinthians shirt, Edílson played 163 matches, scored 55 goals, and won four titles with the club: the 1998 and 1999 Brazilian Championships, the 1999 Paulista Championship, and the 2000 Club World Cup.

In 2026, Corinthians has one representative in the squad called up for the World Cup: forward Memphis Depay, who plays for the Netherlands national team.

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