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April 1, 2024

How is Brazil replenishing its youth talent lost to Europe? – Brazilian Serie A

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As the CONMEBOL Libertadores begins on Tuesday, it is notable to reflect on how, six years ago, Vinícius Júnior made a striking debut in this very tournament as a formidable attacking talent. Real Madrid had secured his transfer for a substantial fee, even before he had appeared in a senior match, raising eyebrows and prompting questions about whether investing over €40 million was a wise decision.

He was able to cross the Atlantic when he turned 18, so he began cautiously integrating into the first team of Rio de Janeiro powerhouse Flamengo, where every move he made was scrutinized. The verdict was uncertain—until a pivotal night in Ecuador in March 2018. In a challenging match against Emelec, Flamengo was trailing by a goal when Vinícius was brought on as a substitute. With fewer than 25 minutes left, he needed just 20 of them to turn the tide.

Twice, he burst through the home defense, combining speed and accuracy to score goals that secured his team’s victory. When the final whistle blew, many Emelec fans did not appear angry; instead, they acknowledged they had witnessed the emergence of something extraordinary. They lined up after the match to capture photos with the rising star.

This is an experience that few South American fans have shared. Vini was crossing the Atlantic a few months later, destined for global fame. He has since claimed Europe’s Champions League title but did not stay long enough to lift the Libertadores trophy. Neither did Lucas Paquetá, who assisted him on his first goal against Emelec. Flamengo secured the trophy the following year, but by then, Vinícius and Paquetá had already departed, highlighting the current dynamics of South American football.

The continent inevitably loses its top talent as European clubs strive to secure players across the Atlantic at the earliest opportunity. This raises a pressing question for local clubs: How do you replace the talent you have lost? 

Major Brazilian clubs have devised a solution: they aim to bring talent back from Europe, targeting two types of players. The first is the seasoned veteran seeking to conclude his career at home—current Libertadores champions Fluminense, for instance, feature former Real Madrid left-back Marcelo and are hopeful about re-signing Thiago Silva from Chelsea. The second type is the promising player who, for various reasons, has not fulfilled European expectations and needs to regain his form. A notable example is Flamengo’s Pedro, who was labeled a disappointment at Fiorentina but proved himself worthy by participating in the last World Cup. Clubs can also showcase their talent while addressing any by scouting across the continent.

Historically, Brazilian clubs, the only Portuguese speakers in South America, were insular regarding transfer opportunities from neighboring countries. However, that has changed dramatically. During recent FIFA match dates, for instance, Ecuador fielded six players based in Brazil, while Colombia, Uruguay, and Venezuela each featured five, and Bolivia and Chile had one each. Controversially, Brazilian clubs have agreed to permit up to nine foreign players in domestic matches.

Brazil is now treating other South American nations as Europe has treated it—selectively recruiting top talent. This development is further complicated by the rise of Major League Soccer, which actively scouts in South America but hesitates to acquire Brazilian players due to high transfer fees. As a result, the financial divide between Brazil and its neighbors is becoming increasingly evident on the field.

The Libertadores was once considered a tournament largely controlled by Argentina. However, Brazil has now achieved an extraordinary feat by winning five consecutive titles, a level of dominance never seen before. Three of those finals were all-Brazilian matchups. If this is not a reason for concern, it certainly should be. 

It is becoming increasingly difficult to envision how other nations can compete. Argentina’s River Plate boasts the largest stadium on the continent. It stands as one of the strongest contenders, alongside clubs like Independiente del Valle and Liga de Quito from Ecuador; both benefit from exceptional youth development and the advantage of high-altitude home games. However, in the foreseeable future, Brazilian dominance will appear inevitable, creating a level of predictability that is unhealthy for the competition. While England’s Premier League holds a financial edge in Europe, it still faces fierce competition in the Champions League from top clubs in various other countries.

There is a straightforward solution: a genuinely Pan-American club competition. While the logistics are challenging, the potential benefits are significant, given the vastness of the Americas. This year’s Copa América demonstrates some Pan-American progress, featuring the ten South American nations alongside six from Concacaf in a tournament held in the U.S. 

However, South America can use this for its national teams. The footballing nationality of players like Lionel Messi and Vinícius is unchangeable, regardless of where they play at the club level. South America’s prestige at the national level—built on a rich history and numerous titles—may be diluted by associations with Concacaf. This concern does not extend to club football.

To retain future talents like Vini Junior, South American teams must embrace a Pan-American approach. This would provide U.S. fans with an additional incentive to follow the Libertadores, who are likely to become their future rivals.

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