Brazil's Number 9 Curse: Jesus and Richarlison Out
The eternal debate among Brazilian football fans: is there a curse on the number 9 jersey for the Seleção? It's a question that's been circulating for years, especially after the recent struggles of Gabriel Jesus and Richarlison in the iconic shirt.
The Curse's History
The number 9 has long been a symbol of goals and glory in football. In Brazil, it's even more significant, with legends like Ronaldo Nazário, Romário, and Jairzinho wearing it. But in recent years, it feels like the pressure of the shirt has become almost unbearable.
Jesus and Richarlison: The Latest Victims
Gabriel Jesus, a star for Manchester City, was expected to inherit the throne left vacant by Neymar's departure. His performance at the 2018 World Cup was solid, but not spectacular. Richarlison, now a Premier League force with Tottenham, was brought in as a potential solution, but his inconsistency has been a source of frustration for Brazilian fans.
Why the Curse Might Be Real
There are a few reasons why the number 9 curse might be real.
- The Weight of History: Brazilian fans hold a special place in their hearts for iconic number 9s like Ronaldo and Romário. It's a tough standard for anyone to live up to.
- Overly High Expectations: With the pressure of a whole nation on their shoulders, the Brazilian number 9 is expected to be the main goalscoring threat. It's a lot of responsibility.
- Tactical Changes: The modern game has evolved, with a focus on fluid attacking movements rather than a single, designated striker.
A Possible Solution:
Maybe the solution lies in a change of approach. Instead of focusing on a traditional number 9, perhaps the Seleção should look for a more dynamic attacker, someone who can play across the front line and create chances for others.
The Future of the Number 9
Will Brazil ever find a player who can truly step out of the shadow of the legendary number 9s? Only time will tell. But one thing is for sure: the debate about the curse will continue, adding another layer of intrigue to the already captivating world of Brazilian football.
