Ronaldo also attributed Brazil’s cautious display against Morocco to the nerves and pressure associated with the opening match of a FIFA World Cup.
By Kehinde Okeowo
Former Brazil forward Ronaldo Nazário has slammed the decision of Italian tactician Carlo Ancelotti to field winger Raphinha out of position during Brazil’s 1-1 draw against Morocco at the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup, insisting the manager made a “mistake”.
The legendary Brazilian striker made his views known while analysing the stalemate on ESPN Brasil’s Resenha da Copa.
At club level, Raphinha enjoyed an outstanding 2025–26 season with La Liga giants Barcelona operating on the right wing.
Despite being sidelined for several matches due to a hamstring injury, he managed to score 21 goals and provide eight assists in 33 appearances for the Catalan club across all competitions.
Discussing Brazil’s World Cup opener against the North African side, Ronaldo described the choice to place the 29-year-old on the left wing against Morocco as perplexing.
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The 49-year-old ex-goal poacher also asserted that the Italian coach’s tactical decision not to utilise Raphinha on the right side was detrimental to the team.
Speaking via Goal, he said: “Raphinha on the left, when he had an incredible year with Barcelona playing on the right? There were decisions that were difficult to understand, which, in the second half, began to improve.”
Ronaldo went on to attribute Brazil’s cautious display to the nerves and pressure associated with the opening match of a FIFA World Cup.
He described the anxiety as “normal” and expressed optimism regarding his nation’s prospects.
The former Inter Milan centre-forward added: “I remain very optimistic. I believe [it was] the pressure of the first game, and I had already observed that, as it was unusual to miss so many passes, particularly in the first half… Later, after watching the interview with Ancelotti and the players, acknowledging this nervousness, I felt reassured as well. It’s normal, right? World Cup, right? Such nervousness among the players, especially the newcomers.”
