In talks that caught the football world by surprise, former Brazilian striker Ronaldo approached Jose Mourinho with the idea of taking the Brazil national team into a new era. Ronaldo reportedly urged the Portuguese tactician to consider the role, hoping his experience could steer the five time World Cup champions toward greater success on the global stage. While the conversation drew attention across media outlets, Mourinho did not entertain the offer, and his stance was later reported as firm in several outlets, including Corriere dello Sport, which captured Ronaldo’s persistence and Mourinho’s decision not to pursue the position.
The Brazil national team, in a dramatic quarterfinal at the World Cup held in Qatar, finished regulation time level with Croatia at 1-1. The match went into extra time where Neymar and Bruno Petkovi smartly found the back of the net, giving Brazil a fleeting advantage. Yet the Croatians responded with precision during the ensuing play and ultimately secured the victory in the penalty shootout, a moment that sealed Croatia’s advancement to the next stage while leaving Brazil to reflect on what could have been. The match showcased Brazil’s attacking talent and the resilience of Croatia, turning a tense contest into a memorable chapter of the tournament.
Following the defeat, Tite announced his departure from the Brazil setup after years at the helm. Since 2016 he had guided the national squad through a period of intense scrutiny and high expectations, balancing youth development with the pressure to deliver on the world stage. The decision to step away marked the end of an era for Brazil, a team that has routinely been a favorite for pentacampeon status but faced the reality of a challenging knockout phase on this occasion. Observers noted that in the 2018 World Cup, under a different phase of leadership, Brazil also faced a tough exit in the 1/4 finals, underscoring a pattern of deep runs interrupted by sharp, high-stakes losses.
Fernando Gomes, who previously led the Portuguese Football Federation, weighed in on the situation, suggesting that a prominent option for Portugal to pursue as their new coach could be Jose Mourinho. Gomes pointed to Mourinho’s track record of managing big teams, his tactical flexibility, and his ability to galvanize squads facing immense pressure. The comments reflected the ongoing chatter about who might next steer the Portuguese national team amid expectations for continued success at major tournaments, while also touching on the broader dynamics of coaching decisions in the modern game.