In a significant shake-up for Brazilian football, Dorival Júnior has been dismissed as head coach of the national team, as confirmed by the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) on Friday, March 28, 2025. This decision comes just three days after a disheartening 4-1 defeat to Argentina during the World Cup 2026 qualifiers, a loss that intensified scrutiny on Júnior's leadership.
Dorival Júnior, who took the reins in January 2024, managed the team for a total of 16 matches, achieving a record of 7 wins, 4 draws, and 5 losses. Under his guidance, the Brazilian squad currently sits in fourth place in the qualifiers, amassing 21 points—10 points behind the leaders, Argentina. The team's recent performances, particularly the heavy loss to their South American rivals, prompted the CBF to reevaluate their coaching strategy.
As the CBF, led by president Ednaldo Rodrigues, begins the search for Júnior's successor, several names have emerged as potential candidates. According to a recent poll conducted by BNews, former Flamengo coach Jorge Jesus is the frontrunner, garnering 24.73% of the votes from fans. Following him in popularity is Abel Ferreira from Palmeiras, who received 19.07%, and Rogério Ceni from Bahia, with 18.54%.
If a foreign coach is ultimately chosen to lead the Seleção, it would mark a significant historical moment, as this would be the fourth time in 60 years that a foreigner has taken charge of the Brazilian national team. The last foreign coach was Filpo Nuñez, an Argentinian, who held the position in 1965. The first was Uruguayan Ramón Platero in 1925, followed by Portuguese Joreca in 1944.
Gérson de Oliveira Nunes, affectionately known as Canhotinha de Ouro and a legendary figure from Brazil's triumphant 1970 World Cup team, weighed in on the coaching situation. He expressed strong support for Filipe Luís as the ideal candidate to replace Júnior. "I mentioned this during the broadcast and I'll repeat: the Flamengo coach is passionate. We, commentators at Super Rádio Tupi, have been discussing this for a long time. Flamengo is probably upset with us, and rightly so, because they are about to lose a fantastic coach," he stated.
Gérson did not hold back in his criticism of the current squad's performance, particularly following the defeat to Argentina. He voiced his frustration, declaring, "We need a coach and, especially, players. At least ten of them need to go. They shouldn't come back for anything. This is the Brazilian National Team. What a disgrace!"
Reflecting on the match, he highlighted the performance of Raphinha, who he felt failed to live up to expectations. "What about Raphinha, who wanted to fight with everyone, both on and off the pitch? Was that his declaration? Look at the embarrassment he caused," Gérson remarked. He pointed out that Raphinha's contributions were limited to three actions: a kick aimed at a fallen Argentinian player, a collision, and a long-range shot that struck the crossbar. "Where is the Raphinha who is supposed to win the Ballon d'Or? What Ballon d'Or will he win playing like this? Is this the team that will go to the World Cup?" he questioned.
The CBF is under pressure to make a swift decision regarding the new head coach, as the team prepares for the next round of qualifiers. The urgency is palpable among fans and analysts alike, as the national pride associated with the Brazilian football team hangs in the balance.
In addition to Jorge Jesus and Filipe Luís, other names being considered include Carlo Ancelotti, currently with Real Madrid, as well as former coach Tite and Renato Gaúcho. However, despite the list of candidates, no definitive decision has been reached yet.
As the situation develops, the Brazilian football community is left to ponder the future direction of their national team. The upcoming matches will be critical not only for the players but also for the new coach, who will need to instill confidence and a winning mentality in a squad that has faced recent criticism.
With the World Cup on the horizon, the stakes are higher than ever. The CBF's choice will be closely scrutinized, and fans are eager to see a return to form for a team that has historically been one of the best in the world. The next steps taken by the CBF will be pivotal in shaping the future of Brazilian football.
