Former Brazilian national team player Roberto "Rivellino" Machado da Silva has criticized the continued use of the number 10 shirt for the squad [1].
The critique comes as Brazil prepares for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Because the number 10 is the most iconic jersey in Brazilian football, any suggestion to move away from it challenges a deep-seated cultural tradition and the perceived identity of the national team.
Rivellino said on the matter during a broadcast on July 25, 2026 [1]. He said that the symbolic weight associated with the number 10 is currently mismatched with the reality of Brazil's footballing situation and the broader cultural moment [1].
The former player offered a controversial suggestion for a replacement to the historic number [1]. While the specific alternative was discussed as a way to alleviate the pressure on current players, the proposal marks a rare public challenge to one of the sport's most enduring symbols.
For decades, the number 10 has been reserved for the team's primary playmaker and most creative force. By questioning its utility, Rivellino said that the prestige of the shirt may now act as a burden rather than an inspiration for the athletes wearing it [1].
This commentary arrives as the team enters the final stages of preparation for the 2026 tournament. The debate over the jersey reflects a wider conversation regarding how Brazil should balance its legendary history, and the demands of the modern game [1].
“The symbolic weight of the number 10 is mismatched with Brazil's current footballing situation”
This critique highlights a tension between the romanticized legacy of 'Joga Bonito' and the tactical realities of modern international football. By suggesting the retirement or replacement of the number 10, Rivellino is arguing that the psychological pressure of inheriting a legendary number can hinder player performance in a high-stakes environment like the World Cup.
