Brazil’s national team is no stranger to change. Following the World Cup, they find themselves under the guidance of their third coach. However, this time is different. Dorival Junior, a seasoned coach with an extensive resume, has been appointed to lead the team until the 2026 World Cup. This decision marks the end of the wait for Carlo Ancelotti, who chose to extend his contract with Real Madrid.
Dorival Junior’s playing career as a central midfielder was characterized by his nomadic journey through various teams. Similarly, his coaching career has seen him take charge of 20 different teams in 25 separate spells since 2002. While some may see this as a lack of stability, in recent years, Dorival has experienced success. He overcame a prostate cancer scare in 2019 and went on to win the prestigious domestic cup with Sao Paulo. However, it was his short-term stint with Flamengo in 2022 that truly elevated his reputation. He led the team to victory in the domestic cup and the Copa Libertadores, showcasing his coaching prowess. Despite his achievements, Flamengo opted not to renew his contract and instead brought in another Portuguese coach, Vitor Pereira. This decision sparked outrage among those who believe in the value of domestic solutions in Brazilian coaching. Dorival became a symbol of hope for those who wished to see a homegrown coach lead the national team to glory.
Dorival Junior may not possess the commanding presence of Luiz Felipe Scolari or the visionary aura of Fernando Diniz, but he has his own strengths. He is humble, flexible, and has the ability to adapt to different systems. His low-profile nature often resonates with his players, enabling him to bring out their best performances. This was evident during his time with Flamengo, where he successfully united a group of attacking stars. Some critics may argue that he only did the simple things, but often, simplicity is the result of hard work behind the scenes.
Another standout moment in Dorival’s career was his time with Santos in 2010, when a young Neymar shone under his guidance. While other teams focused on attacking down the flanks, Dorival surprised everyone by playing through the middle. This unique approach yielded promising results. However, his tenure at Santos ended abruptly after a disagreement with Neymar. Although Dorival believed the young star needed discipline, the club’s directors sided with the player and dismissed the coach.
Now, Dorival finds himself working with and against players of greater caliber than those in the Brazilian domestic league. The European-based stars in particular were supportive of a coach like Ancelotti, who had experience on the international stage. Dorival must win them over and demonstrate that his domestic experience can be effectively transferred to the national team. Fortunately, he has the support of the local fans and starts his coaching debut with a significant game against England at Wembley. It is an opportunity for him to make his mark and begin shaping a new era for Brazilian coaching.
In Conclusion, Brazil’s decision to appoint Dorival Junior as their new coach signifies a shift towards embracing domestic talent. Despite his unassuming demeanor, Dorival’s track record and ability to connect with players have earned him the respect of many. As he takes charge of the national team, he faces the challenge of leading a group of exceptional players to international success. Only time will tell if Dorival can rise to the occasion and guide Brazil to the 2026 World Cup.