Brazilian football legend Ronaldo Nazário has criticized Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti over what he described as a tactical mistake during Brazil’s 1 to 1 draw against Morocco at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The 49 year old specifically questioned Ancelotti’s decision to deploy Raphinha on the left wing, describing the move as difficult to understand.
At club level, Raphinha enjoyed an impressive 2025 to 2026 season with FC Barcelona. Despite missing several matches due to a hamstring injury, he scored 21 goals and provided eight assists in 33 appearances across all competitions.
Although he started most of those matches on the left wing, his performances were widely regarded as more effective on the right flank. Speaking on ESPN Brasil’s Resenha da Copa, Ronaldo said Ancelotti’s failure to maximize the winger’s strongest position affected Brazil’s performance.
‘O Fenomeno’, as the former FC Barcelona and Real Madrid striker is popularly known, stated via Goal, “Raphinha on the left, when he had an incredible year with Barcelona playing on the right? There were decisions that were difficult to understand, which, in the second half, began to improve.”
Ronaldo also attributed Brazil’s cautious display against Morocco to the pressure and nerves that often accompany a team’s opening match at the World Cup.
He described the tension as normal and said he remains confident in Brazil’s chances of competing strongly in the tournament.
He further remarked, “I remain very optimistic. I believe [it was] the pressure of the first game, and I had already observed that, as it was unusual to miss so many passes, particularly in the first half… Later, after watching the interview with Ancelotti and the players, acknowledging this nervousness, I felt reassured as well. It’s normal, right? World Cup, right? Such nervousness among the players, especially the newcomers.”
With Brazil’s all time leading scorer Neymar unavailable for the group stage due to injury, the five time world champions have begun their pursuit of a record extending sixth FIFA World Cup title on an unconvincing note.
