Brazil must channel World Cup pressure into motivation: Luiz Henrique

It has been 24 years since Brazil, the most successful country in World Cup history, last lifted the trophy. Striker Luiz Henrique said the team will need to use that pressure as motivation when the tournament starts in June.

The winger, who plays for Russian side Zenit, was a baby when five-time champions Brazil last won the World Cup in 2002.

He is one of head coach Carlo Ancelotti’s main attacking options for the World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico as Brazil battles multiple injuries.

«Pressure is always a good thing. In football, and especially with the national team, pressure is always there. We have to channel that pressure into motivation,» Henrique, 25, told AFP in an interview from St. Petersburg.

He said he «deeply sympathizes» with defender Eder Militao and forward Estevao, who are both out with hamstring injuries, and Rodrygo, who has suffered a serious knee injury.

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«I’m going to wait for Ancelotti’s decision and see if he selects me. I want to play, be in the starting line-up, and if he chooses me, I will do exactly what I have always done: give my best.»

The experienced Italian coach, who was appointed in May last year, has vowed to take Brazil back to the top.

Henrique said it was an honor to work with “someone who has been a winner for so long.”

“He helps a footballer develop and brings a sense of calm to the players, allowing us to show our best football.”

Ancelotti is expected to announce his final World Cup squad on May 18.

Henrique said he would “love to play with Neymar,” who has not played for Brazil since 2023 due to a serious knee injury but still hopes to be called up this year.

Published on May 7, 2026