‘You Cannot Compare It to Our Era’: Cafu on Brazil’s Decline, 28-Year World Cup Drought and India Clash

‘You cannot compare it to our era’: Cafu on Brazil’s decline, 28-year World Cup drought and India clash

Brazilian football great Cafu graced Pillai University with his presence, inspiring students through various discussions. He looked forward to the Brazil-India friendly match scheduled for Kolkata, recognizing Brazil's lengthy wait since their last World Cup win. Cafu also elaborated on the changing dynamics of full-backs in today’s game, and when asked, he chose Ronaldo Nazario over Lionel Messi in a theoretical matchup.

‘Advertise the sport, study the great footballing schools’ - Brazil's World Cup-winner Cafu's advice to Indian football

Ranked 138th in the FIFA Rankings, India are set to host five-time world champions Brazil for the first time in a historic FIFA friendly on October 3 at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata.

"GOAT on the field, a legend off it": Riteish Deshmukh meets with former Brazil skipper Cafu

Actor Riteish Deshmukh recently shared a fan moment with former Brazil skipper Cafu. Riteish posted a picture with Cafu on Instagram and wrote, "Some evenings are just legendary. Meeting @cafu2 was truly a dream come true - GOAT on the field, a legend off it." Cafu is currently in India to promote the upcoming international friendly between India and Brazil. The Brazil senior men's national team will play an international friendly match against India on October 3, 2026, in Kolkata. India will host Selecao at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, as per the All India Football Federation (AIFF). Satyanarayan, AIFF Deputy Secretary General, said, "To welcome a team of Brazil's stature to our country is an extraordinary moment and one that will undoubtedly become a landmark chapter in the history of Indian football." Subrata Paul, Director, National Teams, said, "For our national team players, this is far more than just another match. It is a rare opportunity to test themselves against one of the greatest footballing nations the game has ever known. Experiences like these challenge players to grow, inspire them to dream bigger, and leave memories that stay with them throughout their careers." Meanwhile, on September 4, Cafu visited the campus of Pillai University in Navi Mumbai, where he met with football enthusiasts and inspired students with his experiences, passion for the game, and remarkable journey in football. (ANI)