No Country for Old Men
Brazil is widely regarded as the spiritual home of football, and the nation's love for the beautiful game is unrivaled. However, the recent struggles of the national team have led fans to call for a change in the selection process. They want to see young players given the chance to show their talents on the international stage.
@bortoleffe
Jogos de Futebol
This generational change is palpable also while strolling though the bustling streets of Rio de Janeiro, particularly when it comes to the fans’ perceptions of the legends of the Seleção.
The so-called “old guard” once held a place of reverence and admiration among the fans, but after recent setbacks on the world stage, the general consensus is that change is desperately needed. The winds of change are being driven by a new generation of young, vibrant and stylish individuals, who have taken the country by storm.
These young Brazilians are leading the charge in creating a new sense of pride and identity for the country, one that is centered around contemporary trends and modern ideas (cool dyed hair and tats are a part of this).
Those guys are at the forefront of shaping the country's cultural, artistic, and fashion movements, and their influence is spreading far and wide. As a matter of fact, they are not only making waves in terms of their style, but also in terms of their popularity and fame.
Mass Culture
With social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok, ballers have never been more accessible to the general public, and their impact on popular culture is truly undeniable. New dances and new trends shared on those platform are helping them to connect with their fans, almost becoming one of their own, cause it’s easy to connect.
The old guard such as Dani Alves, Sandro, and Casemiro would look quiet cringe on TikTok and they are defenetly struggling to keep the pace, they already represent wealth and not the pursuit to it, while Richarlison doing the pigeon dance became viral.
Again, it’s way easier to relate to him, a kid that was selling ice cream and chocolate to survive a rough environment.
He was born in the Era of Social Media and he became a sort of open book for his fans. He always shared everything on his platforms, so that people can see and keep track of the progression.
The impact of these young guys on Brazilian society is felt far beyond the football field, and they are quickly becoming the faces of a new, forward-thinking Brazil.
@bortoleffe
Along the Streets
The iconic beaches of Copacabana have long been synonymous with Brazil's passion for football, and none is more revered in this land than Thiago Silva.
The veteran defender's name still rings out among the fans, but after the devastating defeat of 2014, the tides have shifted, and Thiago's once-unwavering popularity has begun to wane.
Of course, he remains a prominent figure on the field, but the fans have become increasingly vocal in their desire for something new, something fresh. The streets are calling out for a change, and even the greats of the old guard are not immune to the passage of time.
The bustling markets of Carioca are no longer filled with the shirts of the legends, but with the latest up-and-comers, the likes of Vinicius, Endrick, and Rodrigo, who are quickly becoming the masters of the moment. These are just facts.
@bortoleffe
Na Praia
What truly astounds us is the way that even the older generations of Brazilians are rallying behind the young talent in the country.
During a recent conversation with Rodrigo, a hardworking fruit vendor who rises before dawn each day, we were struck by his passion for the future of Brazilian soccer.
When asked about the presence of experienced players like Thiago Silva, Danilo, and Dani Alves in the national team, Rodrigo was quick to point out that there are more than enough young talents in Brazil waiting for their chance to shine.
With a Flamengo shirt proudly displayed, Rodrigo spoke with a quiet confidence about the incredible depth of talent in the country. He mentioned names like Pedro and Endrick as just two examples of the many young stars who are waiting in the wings, eager to make their mark on the world stage.
It is truly inspiring to see someone like Rodrigo, who spends his days working tirelessly to provide for his family, still find time to follow and support the next generation of Gauchos.
@bortoleffe
His words are a testament to the depth of passion and pride that Brazilians feel for their country, and they serve as a reminder of the incredible talent that exists within the country's borders.
As we look ahead to the future of Brazilian football, it is clear that the ballers of today will play a crucial role in shaping the game's future.
With the support of fans like Rodrigo, the next generation of Brazilian legends is poised to make its mark on the world stage, and the country is eagerly waiting to see what they will achieve, because this is no country for old men.
