Brazil legend Gilberto Silva praises the new generation of players ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, expressing hope they can bring the trophy home.
PETALING JAYA: Former Brazil international Gilberto Silva has praised the new generation of Brazilian players, highlighting their quality and potential as the squad prepares for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The 2002 World Cup winner expressed confidence that the team would continue to improve and maintain focus in the months leading up to the tournament.
“We have a very good generation of players,” Silva said during a media meet-and-greet session in conjunction with the FIFA World Cup Trophy’s tour.
“When you see them, especially those in the national team, most of them are playing in Europe, in the best clubs around the world. And why are they there? Because they have quality.”
He added that he hopes the players become stronger and more focused to represent Brazil in the best way possible.
“And I hope Brazil come back with the trophy again,” the former Arsenal midfielder said.
Hundreds of football fans turned up to see the prestigious FIFA World Cup trophy at Sunway Pyramid, where it was unveiled by Silva, national legend Datuk Santokh Singh and rapper MK.
The trophy arrived in Malaysia as part of its global tour covering 75 stops, with a formal ceremony held at the Skypark Regional Aviation Centre in Shah Alam.
This marks the first time the trophy has returned to Malaysia since 2014.
The trophy is expected to continue its tour to South Korea and Japan.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is scheduled to take place in the United States, Mexico and Canada from June 11 to July 19.
