Brazil’s attacking flanks have vanished — and former left-back André Luiz says the problem starts in the youth ranks. Speaking at Fut&Papo in Casa Ronaldo, the ex-international warned that the national team has lost its width and creativity without wing-backs who can defend, support and deliver crosses — a hallmark of Brazil’s golden era in the 1990s and 2000s. Last result: Brazil 1-2 Norway (2026-07-05).

Why have wing-backs disappeared?

André Luiz recalled that his generation boasted at least six elite left-backs vying for a spot in the Seleção: himself, Roberto Carlos, Serginho, Júnior, Zé Roberto and Athirson. — Back then, making the national team was brutally competitive — he said. Today, Brazil lacks that edge up the flanks, making the team easier to contain. It’s been years since we’ve seen that kind of impact.

He pointed to the absence of wing-backs like Marcelo and Cafu — icons who defined an era — as a key reason for the impoverished style. Without players who bomb forward, cross and stretch play, opponents compress the pitch. — Brazil always thrived on the wings, left or right, to free up attackers and midfielders. Now the opposition shuts the door and we can’t do a thing — he said.

Brazilian academies: shop window or football school?

His criticism extended beyond wing-backs. André Luiz called out the transformation of youth setups into ‘shop windows’, where teens are sold before they mature. — Today kids are moved at 13, 14, 15. No one plays in the first team, no one builds a club legacy — he said. In his view, Brazil has drifted from its DNA: improvisation, dribbling and joy.

He also slammed the push to mimic European football, arguing it stripped Brazil of its attacking identity. — They’re trying to turn Brazilian football into European football, killing creativity — he added.

What would Telê Santana teach today’s wing-backs?

André Luiz recalled that at São Paulo under Telê Santana, wing-backs were encouraged to attack in tandem with midfield cover. — Telê told me and Cafu: both push up at the same time, no problem. Dinho and Pintado will handle the gaps — he said. For him, that model is vital to restore width and unpredictability.

So what’s next?

The warning arrives as the Seleção Brasileira searches for its offensive soul. Recent form (last 5): 4W-0D-1L (LWWWW, most recent first). Next fixture: vs Australia (away, 2026-09-25). The ex-player insists CBF and clubs must rethink how they develop wing-backs early, prioritising players with technical skill and attacking mentality — not just defensive discipline.

— If Brazil doesn’t produce wing-backs who can defend, support and create, we’ll stay predictable — he cautioned. The debate over the base isn’t just tactical; it’s cultural. We need to bring back the joy and identity that made Brazilian football unique worldwide.