Speaking to RMC Sport, Marquinhos (31), central defender and captain of Paris Saint-Germain, discussed Brazil’s unchanged ambition and the evolution of modern football. In the interview, he addressed the World Cup, the current attacking talents, and the major unknown: the potential return to form of Neymar (33).
Marquinhos: “We always have the highest ambitions”
“What is Brazil’s objective? Do you have what it takes to become world champions in the United States?”
“We always have the highest ambitions. We know the road is long, it’s very hard to reach the end, very difficult. I’ve already played two World Cups, and I know how tough and demanding it is. But it’s our dream, our goal. We’ll try to give everything to go and win this World Cup.”
“Football is much more physical, there’s less space”
Do you feel the team is progressing under Ancelotti? Is there less attacking talent than before?
“I think football has changed a bit. The game is much more physical, there is less space, less time. It’s difficult to have a generation like the previous ones. Before us, there were Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, Rivaldo. That’s why some people think there are no great attacking talents today.
But if you look at the names, we have very strong players in our national team: Vinicius, Raphinha, Estevão who is coming through, Rodrygo… You see, we have names that still make people dream at club level.”
“I hope he gets back to his best” — about Neymar
Do you need Neymar? Do you want him with you at the World Cup?
“Always! He’s a great friend, an incredible talent. It depends on many things: how he is, whether he feels good, if he’s in shape, if he has regained his physical rhythm. I hope he gets back to his best. If he’s in top form physically and feeling well, why not? I really hope he can get back in shape and come to the World Cup.”
The PSG captain rejects the easy nostalgia surrounding the Seleção. Marquinhos knows that comparisons with the golden generations — Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, Rivaldo — distort perceptions and make some believe that today’s Brazil is less talented. According to him, football has changed: less space, more intensity, a style that limits creative freedom and demands constant explosiveness.
Yet he reminds us that Brazil is far from lacking virtuosos: Vinicius Jr (25), Rodrygo (24), Raphinha (28), and the rising star Estevão (18) remain major attacking assets. Regarding Neymar (33), Marquinhos remains both realistic and affectionate: if his friend regains full fitness, he is still a rare weapon.
Between realism and ambition, he insists that Brazil can target the title — as long as this generation frees itself from the weight of the past. Brazil may not be the favorite heading into the next World Cup, but like Real Madrid in club football, this team — this nation — should never be counted out.
