Brazilian legend Gilberto Silva discusses his 2002 World Cup winning memories, how pride inspires success and the upcoming talents to watch in this summer's tournament.
The FIFA World Cup is now well underway, and anticipation is at an all time high across all 48 nations competing over in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
Gilberto Silva featured in 3 editions of the tournament, in South Africa in 2010, in 2006 in Germany, and in Japan and South Korea in 2002 – where he won the competition with Brazil.
Beginning his career at America Mineiro, the 2002 World Cup saw Gilberto catch the attention of many clubs across Europe, including Arsenal who he signed for in the summer after the competition.
The Brazilian legend spoke on how Brazil can win the World Cup this summer, including the importance of preparation and playing with pride when representing the National team.
Gilberto Silva Explains Why Preparation Defines World Cup Success
Making his Brazil debut in 2001 and racking up 89 appearances in the iconic yellow and green, there are very few who know what it takes to play and succeed on the international level above Gilberto Silva, and he expressed his excitement and optimism for Brazil this summer.
Gilberto explained that he believes the World Cup is the biggest stage for any player, and how to prepare if aiming to win the footballs biggest prize.
“Playing in the World Cup is one of the best things a player must have in their career because it is the best tournament to play. Everyone dreams to be there, you play against the best players, different countries, different cultures, but one dream – to win the competition.
“It is so important to do the best you can, and to be proud of the effort. This is something that the players must have in mind.”
This summers edition includes 48 different nations, with 8 of the 12 third place teams going through to the Round of 32.
Of the 1,248 players playing in the World Cup, Gilberto believes that the preparation is what separates the elite with those who do not succeed in the competition.
“The quality that separates the players who thrive in the WC with those who struggle with the pressure is the preparation. The preparation is key for everything to succeed, either in the club or when representing your country.
“It is very important to do well in the cycle during the World Cup, the 4 year cycle period (in between), you have to do the best you can for your club,” the Brazilian said.
“When you’re with the national team, it is quite hard to prepare properly because you have very little time together.
“When you’re playing in the World Cup just have one thing in your mind… succeed.”
The Young Stars Gilberto Silva Is Watching At World Cup 2026
While many icons of the game are set to play in their last ever World Cup, many young and upcoming stars are set to make their debut in the tournament.
The tournament is notorious for having breakout stars every tournament, and Gilberto gave his four young stars to keep an eye on at the competition.
“There are 3 or 4 in my opinion that can take our attention. One of them in Doue from France, he has had a great season and won the Champions League. He is such a young player.
"Joao Neves, the Portugese player from PSG as well, what a great player.”
On the back of winning back-to-back Champions League’s, both will be optimistic they can add to an already glittering trophy cabinet this summer.
Gilberto added: “Lamine Yamal from Barcelona who will play for Spain. He is back in training now for Spain after a few weeks injured."
“Endrick. In the last 6 months he has done a fantastic job after he left Real Madrid because he wasn’t playing so much. He went on loan to Lyon and has done a great job. He is hungry, and he wants to succeed in the competition.”
Read More: Gilberto Silva on Arsenal, Community Work and Football’s Role Beyond the Pitch
Why Playing For Brazil Requires More Than Talent
Holding the record for the most ever World Cup tournament wins, there is no country with more international pedigree than Brazil.
Winning the competition five times: In 1958, 1962, 1970, 1994 and 2002, there will be a different hunger around Brazil this summer with it set to be legend Neymar’s last chance at lifting the trophy, and under Carlo Ancelotti they will hope they have a great chance.
Winning in 2002, Gilberto Silva knows what it takes for ‘A Selecao’ to bring home the trophy.
“2002 World Cup for me and for Brazil was very special because we won. We won because everybody played for the team. No egos on the individual side. Everyone played for their pride, for their family and for the group.
“When you are in the national team, what you have to do is make sure you do everything you can – play to win, play to be proud, play to make your country and people of your country proud of what you do.
“You have to have one thing in mind, do not have any regrets for things you should have done better.”
Many of the most iconic and historic footballers have represented Brazil at the FIFA World Cup, and Gilberto hopes that the legacy of the national team can continue with the Brazilian starlets this summer:
“Over the years, Brazil became famous for producing such talented players, especially the number 10’s and the strikers: Zico, Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, Pele , Garrincha, Neymar and many others. There are so many I can’t count!
“In this generations, there are a lot of talents in this team. I really like Endrick, he is a very brave player who is strong with lots of quality. Rayan also is doing well for the national team. He hasn’t been here long, but we can see the ability he has. The power when he gets the ball, 1v1 against the opponents.”
The last triumph for Brazil at the World Cup was in 2002, but after a strong performance in their opening game, the optimism is building as another historic summer awaits.
Brazil are in Group C with Morocco, Scotland and Haiti, who they play next on Saturday at 1:30 am.
