Brazil's 2002 World Cup Winning Team: Where Are They Now?
The 2002 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by South Korea and Japan, remains etched in football history, especially for Brazilian fans. A Seleção, led by coach Luiz Felipe Scolari, delivered a mesmerizing performance, securing their fifth World Cup title. But what happened to those iconic players who brought joy to a nation? Let's dive in and see where the heroes of 2002 are now!
The Goalkeepers: Marcos and Dida
Marcos Roberto Silveira Reis, simply known as Marcos, was the undisputed number one for Brazil in 2002. His agile reflexes and commanding presence in the box were crucial to Brazil's success. Marcos spent his entire professional career with Palmeiras, becoming a club legend. After retiring in 2012, he has remained involved with Palmeiras in various ambassadorial roles, often seen at games and club events. He's a true icon for Palmeiras fans, embodying loyalty and passion.
Dida (Nelson de Jesus Silva), the backup goalkeeper, had already established himself as a top-class shot-stopper by 2002. While he didn't feature in the tournament, his experience and talent were valuable assets to the squad. Dida went on to have a stellar career with AC Milan, winning two Champions League titles. After retiring, he transitioned into coaching, working as a goalkeeping coach for several clubs, including AC Milan's youth teams. He is now goalkeeping coach at Al-Ahli Saudi FC, continuing to share his expertise with aspiring goalkeepers.
The Defenders: Cafu, LĂșcio, Roque JĂșnior, and Roberto Carlos
Cafu (Marcos Evangelista de Moraes), the legendary right-back and captain, was a symbol of relentless energy and attacking prowess. He holds the record for the most appearances for Brazil with 142 caps. After retiring in 2008, Cafu has been involved in various philanthropic activities and football-related projects. He frequently appears as a pundit on sports channels and remains an influential figure in Brazilian football. Cafu's leadership and dedication continue to inspire young players.
LĂșcio (Lucimar da Silva Ferreira), the towering center-back, was known for his imposing physique and no-nonsense defending. He formed a formidable partnership with Roque JĂșnior. After a successful career with clubs like Bayern Munich and Inter Milan, LĂșcio retired in 2020. He has since ventured into football management, taking on coaching roles in Brazil. Lucio's physical presence and tactical awareness made him a key player in Brazil's defensive setup.
Roque JĂșnior (JosĂ© VĂtor Roque JĂșnior), another central defender, provided stability and aerial strength to the Brazilian defense. He played for several European clubs, including AC Milan and Leeds United. After retiring, Roque JĂșnior pursued a career in coaching and football administration. He has worked with youth teams and held positions within the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF). Roque Junior's experience in European football brought a tactical edge to the Brazilian squad.
Roberto Carlos (Roberto Carlos da Silva Rocha), the iconic left-back, was famous for his thunderous free-kicks and overlapping runs. His powerful shots often left goalkeepers stunned. After retiring, Roberto Carlos has been involved in coaching and football administration. He has managed clubs in India and Turkey and also served as a director for Real Madrid. Roberto Carlos's energy and attacking flair made him one of the most exciting full-backs of his generation.
The Midfielders: Gilberto Silva, Kléberson, Juninho Paulista, and Rivaldo
Gilberto Silva (Gilberto Aparecido da Silva), the defensive midfielder, provided a crucial shield for the defense with his excellent positioning and tackling skills. He was a key player for Arsenal's "Invincibles" team. After retiring, Gilberto Silva has worked as a consultant for clubs and also been involved in social projects. He is often praised for his intelligence and ability to read the game.
Kléberson (José Kléberson Pereira), the energetic midfielder, played a vital role in linking the defense and attack. His performances in the 2002 World Cup earned him a move to Manchester United. After retiring, Kléberson has worked as a coach in the United States, focusing on youth development. Kleberson's energy and passing range were important assets to Brazil's midfield.
Juninho Paulista (Osvaldo Giroldo JĂșnior), the attacking midfielder, was known for his creativity and set-piece abilities. Though he didn't feature prominently in every game, his skill and vision were valuable assets. After retiring, Juninho has held various administrative roles in Brazilian football, including president of Ituano FC. He is respected for his dedication to developing young talent.
Rivaldo (Rivaldo VĂtor Borba Ferreira), the attacking midfielder, was a key member of the Brazilian squad, known for his dribbling skills and clinical finishing. He won the Ballon d'Or in 1999. After a long and successful career, Rivaldo retired in 2015. He has since been involved in various business ventures and football-related projects. Rivaldo's flair and goal-scoring ability made him one of the most feared attackers in the world.
The Forwards: Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, and EdĂlson
Ronaldo (Ronaldo LuĂs NazĂĄrio de Lima), "O FenĂŽmeno", was the star of the 2002 World Cup, finishing as the tournament's top scorer with eight goals. His comeback from injury was one of the tournament's most inspiring stories. After retiring, Ronaldo has been involved in various business ventures, including owning football clubs. He is currently the owner of Real Valladolid in Spain and Cruzeiro in Brazil. Ronaldo's pace, skill, and clinical finishing made him one of the greatest strikers of all time.
Ronaldinho (Ronaldo de Assis Moreira), the maestro of flair, captivated audiences with his dazzling dribbling skills and infectious smile. He came on as a substitute in some matches, providing moments of brilliance. After retiring, Ronaldinho has been involved in various ambassadorial roles and promotional activities. He continues to entertain fans with his exhibition matches and social media presence. Ronaldinho's creativity and joy for the game made him a global icon.
EdĂlson (EdĂlson da Silva Ferreira), the versatile forward, added depth to the Brazilian attack. While he didn't play a significant role in the tournament, his experience and work ethic were appreciated by the team. After retiring, EdĂlson has been involved in coaching and also worked as a football pundit. Edilson's versatility and experience were valuable assets to the Brazilian squad.
The Coach: Luiz Felipe Scolari
Luiz Felipe Scolari, affectionately known as "FelipĂŁo," was the mastermind behind Brazil's success. His tactical acumen and man-management skills were crucial in guiding the team to victory. After leading Brazil to the title, Scolari went on to manage Portugal, Chelsea, and Brazil again in 2014. He has managed several clubs in Brazil and China. Scolari's leadership and tactical expertise were instrumental in Brazil's triumph.
Where Are They Now? A Summary
Many of the 2002 World Cup-winning squad have transitioned into coaching, management, punditry, or business ventures. Some have remained closely involved with football, while others have pursued different paths. What is undeniable is that their achievement in 2002 remains a cherished memory for Brazilian football fans and a testament to their talent, dedication, and teamwork.
So, there you have it, guys! A little peek into where the heroes of Brazil's 2002 World Cup-winning team are now. It's always fun to reminisce about those golden days and see how these legends are continuing to make their mark on the world, both in and out of football!
