A USA '94 World Cup champion and undisputed icon, the former Brazilian defender spoke to our microphones for a lucid, unfiltered analysis. From criticism of an underwhelming Selecao, to the highly anticipated return of Neymar, right through to club matters: his deep-rooted bond with Roma, the Giallorossi's Scudetto ambitions under the helm of Gian Piero Gasperini, and Benfica's current form.
Between offering his take on modern football and discussing the new documentary film about his life, Aldair also treated Flashscore to a wonderful anecdote regarding two absolute superstars he shared the pitch with: Francesco Totti and Ronaldo.
How do you rate Brazil's first match against Morocco?
“I watched the game. So many misplaced passes, Brazil didn't play well at all. I thought they looked really, really poor! I expect much more, just like everyone else here back home!”
What do you make of the job Ancelotti is doing?
“If we're talking about this match, we didn't see his hand in it. In the friendlies, they played a bit better, but in this World Cup opener, we really saw too little of his work. Perhaps he only got it right with the substitutions. But other than that, very little was on display.”
Who do you think is the player who can take the team by the scruff of the neck in this difficult moment?
“There's more than one player expected to step up and take on that role. There's Raphinha, although he hasn't been playing well for the national team for a while. Vinicius fared a bit better in one game.
"I'm thinking of those two mainly. Then, of course, there is always the hope that Neymar will take on this responsibility.”
What are your thoughts on the decision to recall Neymar to the national team?
“I think it's the right call because he's a very different player from the rest, a cut above the average. It’s right that Ancelotti brought him along and is waiting for him so that he can get back to 100% fitness. Calling him up wasn't a mistake, absolutely not.”
FIFA World Cup 2026
The 2026 World Cup is taking place from June 11th to July 19th in the United States, Canada and Mexico. The tournament features 48 national teams and is played at 16 modern stadiums.
Match schedule and times | Group tables | How to watch the World Cup | World Cup Format | Past winners of the World Cup
The World Cup now features 48 teams. What's your opinion on such an expanded tournament with all these sides?
“It gives many other countries the chance to play in a World Cup, and that's a beautiful thing. However, it's clear that you see huge gulfs in class: on one hand, you have shocks like Spain drawing against a team like Cape Verde, who are participating for the first time in their history. On the other, there are national teams capitalising on these disparities in level, like Germany putting seven past Curacao.
Ultimately, qualification for the knockout stages, especially for the top two spots, will be decided precisely by the clashes between the traditional heavyweights and these smaller teams, also in terms of goal difference.”
You played in three World Cups and won it in '94. What are your memories of that triumph?
“Winning a World Cup is always amazing, but honestly, for a footballer, just taking part in a World Cup is always wonderful. In fact, I look back fondly on the Italia '90 experience too, even though I was always on the bench and didn't play a single minute. And I remember with pleasure the tournaments I played in America and France. Getting to play in this competition is what every footballer strives for the most in their career.
"From USA '94, I remember almost everything that happened on the pitch. Compared to the past, today there is much more information about what happens off the pitch, in the host country; these are important things that the lads today can learn much more about.”
A film about your life has been released in Italy. How did this project come about, and what's the feeling of seeing yourself on the big cinema screen?
“It came about thanks to three friends who are from Rome and are Roma fans. We talked about it several times together, and in the end, they convinced me to tell my story off the pitch as well.
"We shot for a year between Rome, Dubai, and Brazil, working hard on the project and doing a lot of filming. Even though I'm a very shy person, which made it a bit difficult, we managed to create something nice and show the other side of me that the fans and the public didn't know.”
How do you explain this immense love the Roma fans have for you?
“I get asked that a lot. It almost feels like I was born in footballing terms at Roma, even though that's not the case. The fans' love for me is massive. I was there for many years, but for them, it's as if I had started my career there as a youngster and spent my entire playing days at that club!”
You played with both Totti and Ronaldo, 'Il Fenomeno'. Who was the better player out of the two?
“They are two very different players. Ronaldo was more of a one-on-one striker, more explosive. Francesco was brilliant inside the box, had a great eye for a pass, and had just as much of an eye for goal as Ronaldo. It's hard to say who was the best: the ideal scenario would have been to have them both on the same team, so you wouldn't have the headache of having to choose.
"I remember when I returned to Rome after the '94 World Cup, at a time when everyone was talking about Brazil's number 9, people at Trigoria were telling me: 'Look, we've got a Ronaldo here too, you'll see,' referring to a very young Francesco Totti. Then Francesco showed everyone what he was capable of, and I was genuinely very happy about that.”
Do you still follow your first European club, Benfica? What are your thoughts on the spell they are currently going through?
“I don't follow them too closely; this year, with Mourinho in the dugout, I've watched more of their matches.
"In recent years, Benfica haven't done very well; they are often in crisis and can't seem to perform at their true level in Europe. Looking at individuals, it seems the squad has some interesting players, but they are still lacking major results.”
What's your take on Gasperini's Roma? What are their prospects? Do you think they are a team that can challenge for the title?
“Gasperini's idea of football is really good. The first year in Rome isn't easy for anyone, but he managed to do very well, a truly spectacular season. To take the next step, however, the club needs to provide more and bring in a few more players. If Roma gets the players he's asking for, they will definitely be able to stay up there with the top sides fighting for the Scudetto.”
While waiting to find out if Ancelotti's Selecao can shift gears to aim for the summit of this World Cup, and whether Gasperini's Roma will get the necessary reinforcements from the transfer market to challenge for the Scudetto, fans will be able to enjoy the most intimate and unseen side of the Brazilian champion on the big screen.
Emanuele Giulianelli is an Italian freelance journalist and author working for Flashscore since 2026. He has collaborated with some of the world’s leading newspapers and media outlets, establishing himself as a recognized voice in international sports storytelling and analysis.
