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One of the greatest teams to ever grace the football pitch, the 2002 Brazil team was full of superstars who lived upto their potential. Playing some beautiful football along the way, the South American giants wowed football supporters all over the world with their grace and attacking football.
The squad had the right mix of youth, experience and talent which helped Brazil to win the World Cup without losing a single game in the entire tournament. The team coached by Luiz Felipe Scolari underlined Brazilian’s dominance in international football by helping the Samba boys claim their 5th World Cup title.
Overcoming Germany 2-0 in the final, the 2002 Selecao team is remembered fondly by football purists. 15 years have passed since then nd we take a look as to where the historic 23 man squad of Brazil are now.
The order of the players is according to the jersey numbers they donned during the tournament. Let us start off with Brazil’s number 1 and first choice keeper Marcos.
#1 Marcos
Then
Brazil’s first choice goalkeeper during the entire tournament, the then 28-year-old Marcos played an integral part in Brazil’s victory. A one-club man throughout his career, Marcos played for Palmeiras where he first gained attention due to his stunning and consistent performances.
In fact, in 2002 after his fantastic World Cup performance, he was supposed to sign for Arsenal. He even went to London to complete the signing but disappear just before signing the contract. After a few days, he gave a statement saying that he would rather play Serie B with Palmeiras than play in any European club just for the money.
Now
Marcos called time on his hugely successful international career in 2005, although he continued playing for Palmeiras till 2012. Widely considered to be one of the greatest goalkeepers Brazi has ever produced, the former Brazil number 1 is a true hero in his homeland. One of the club’s greatest idols, Marcos was nicknamed Sao Marco (Saint Marcos) by his fans.
On January 4, 2012, at the age of 38, Marcos announced his retirement from football, due to his advanced age and the many injuries that marked his career. Now, Marcos occasionally works as a pundit and also as an advisor to the Palmeiras football team.
#2 Cafu (Captain)
Then
Captain of the amazing 2002 World Cup winning squad, Cafu with 142 appearances is the most internationally capped Brazil male player of all time. He also represented his nation in four FIFA World Cups from 1994-2006 playing three consecutive finals and winning the 1994 and 2002 editions. Widely considered to be one of the greatest right-backs of all time, Cafu was playing for Serie A side Roma in 2002 and was even named in the 2002 FIFA XI.
Now
After a widely successful spell at Roma, Cafu moved to AC Milan where he continued performing at the very highest level even winning the Champions League in 2007 with the Italian giants. The legendary Brazilian finally retired from football in 2008 at the age of 38 although his marauding runs down the flank are still remembered fondly by his fans all over the world.
Most recently, Cafu was seen playing in India for Goa’s futsal team in the Premier Futsal League.
#3 Lucio
Then
One of only three players (along with Marcos and Cafu) to complete playing all 630 minutes of the tournament, then 24-year-old Lucio was a rock at the heart of the defence for the Selecao. Lucio was playing for Bundesliga club Bayer Leverkusen in 2002.
Now
Following his impressive performances, Lucio secured a move to Bayern Munich before moving to Serie A giants Inter Milan. At Inter, the centre-back won a Champions League title beating his former club Bayern Munich in the final. Lucio led the Brazil team to Confederations Cup glory in 2009 and he last played for the national team in 2011.
Most recently, Lucio played as the marquee player for Indian Super League side FC Goa.
#4 Roque Junior
Then
A regular starter in the 2002 national team, Roque Junior was a solid presence at the back for Scolari. The centre-back started all but one of the games for the Selecao and he put in consistent performances throughout the tournament. Roque Junior was playing for Milan in 2002.
Now
After his spell at Milan, Junior spent time at clubs like Leeds United, Sienna and Bayer Leverkusen before finally calling time on his career at Itano in 2010. Having retired from international football in 2007, Junior first cut his teeth into management in 2015 at XV de Piracicaba. Now, he is the manager of Brazilian team Ituano.
#5 Edmilson
Then
Capable of playing as a central defensive midfielder or a centre-back, Edmilson was used by Felipe Scolari as a centre-back in Brazil’s 5 man defence. Like Roque Junior, Edmilson started in all but one of Brazil’s matches in the 2002 World Cup even scoring his only international goal in the 5-2 victory against Costa Rica. He was playing for Ligue 1 giants Lyon in 2002.
Now
After his good performances in 2002, Edmilson moved to Barcelona where he won the Champions League title. He went on to represent Villarreal, Palmeiras and Zaragosa before finally calling time on his storied career at Ceara Sporting Club in 2011. The Brazilian now occasionally works as a football pundit in his home country, Brazil.
#6 Roberto Carlos
Then
Undoubtedly one of the greatest (if not the greatest) left-back of all time, Roberto Carlos was one of the stars of the 2002 Brazil World Cup squad. Motoring down the left-hand flank for the Selecao, Carlos provided some amazing moments of magic and was even included in the FIFA 2002 World Cup All-Star Team. He was playing for Real Madrid in 2002.
Now
After a lacklustre performance in World Cup 2006, Carlos vowed never to play for Brazil again (although he briefly harboured hopes of playing in the 2010 World Cup). After 207, Carlos played for Fenerbahce, Corinthians and Anzhi Makhachkala before finally playing his last game for Indian Super League side Delhi Dynamos. Carlos was the player/manager for Delhi Dynamos for the 2015-16 season and it will be interesting to see where his football journey takes him next.
#7 Ricardinho
Then
Called up to the Brazil national team as a late replacement for injured midfielder Emerson, Ricardinho made 3 appearances as a substitute during the tournament. Playing as a deep-lying playmaker, Ricardinho was known for his accurate passing and through balls. He was playing for Brazilian club Sao Paulo in 2002.
Now
Ricardinho last played an international game for Brazil in 2006. He went on to play for English club Middlesbrough, Brazilian clubs Santos and Corinthians, Besiktas and Atletico Mineiro before finally calling time on his career at Bahia. The Brazilian was the manager of club side Tapi in 2016.
#8 Gilberto Silva
Then
The unsung hero of Brazil’s squad, Gilberto Silva played the role of a midfield destroyer to perfection in the 2002 World Cup squad. Among the glitz and glamour of the Ronaldos, Rivaldos and Ronaldinhos, Silva was crucial for Scolari's system to function. The defensive midfielder was playing for Arsenal in 2002.
Now
After being capped 93 times for Brazil, Gilberto called time on his international career in 2010. Also, after spending an extremely successful 6-year spell at Arsenal, Gilberto moved on to Panathinaikos, Gremio before finally retiring in 2012 at Atletico Mineiro. The Brazilian was last seen working as technical director of Panathinaikos in 2016.
#9 Ronaldo Nazario
Then
Considered to be one of the greatest strikers of all time, Ronaldo Nazario at his peak was absolutely unplayable. Man of the Match in the final for his incredible brace against Germany, Ronaldo was unsurprisingly part of the FIFA World Cup All-Star Team and even won the Golden Boot to assert his supremacy as the best forward in the world.
Winner of the 2002 Ballon d’Or award thanks to his amazing performances at Real Madrid in the 2001/02 season and his amazing goalscoring exploits in Brazil’s 2002 World Cup triumph, Ronaldo is undoubtedly the greatest out and out striker of this generation.
Now
Ronaldo retired finally at Corinthians in 2011 and following his retirement, Ronaldo became a member of PokerStars SportsStar even playing a charity poker match against Rafael Nadal in December 2013.
The Brazil legend also owns a minority stake in Fort Lauderdale Strikers which plays in the North American Soccer League. Having served as the ambassador for the 2014 FIFA World Cup, Ronaldo has continued his work as a United Nations Development Programme Goodwill Ambassador.
#10 Rivaldo
Then
Regarded as one of the greatest Brazilian players of all time Rivaldo was at the peak of his powers in the 2002 FIFA World Cup. Forming a deadly front three known as the three ‘Rs’ along with Ronaldo and Ronaldinho, Rivaldo wowed the world with his stunning skills, dribbling, technical ability and the uncanny knack of scoring crucial goals.
Part of the FIFA World Cup All-Star Team and declared as the Player of the Tournament, Rivaldo along with Ronaldo were the two standout players of this Brazil squad. Rivaldo also finished as the second highest goalscorer in the tournament winning the Silver Boot award. The legendary Brazilian was playing for Barcelona in 2002 and last played an international match for Brazil in 2003.
Now
In his playing career, Rivaldo represented an astonishing 14 clubs retiring as late as 2014 in his childhood club Mogi Mirim. On his retirement, Rivaldo said:
"My history as a player has come to the end. With tears in my eyes today I would like to thank God, my family and all the support, the affection that I received during those 24 years as a player."
He is currently the President of Mogi Mirim where his son Rivaldinho also plays.
#11 Ronaldinho
Then
Before Ronaldinho gained worldwide stardom at Barcelona, the buck-toothed magician first burst onto the scene with his mesmerising performances in the 2002 World Cup. Playing a starring role, the 2005 Ballon d’Or winner made 5 appearances in the tournament scoring 2 goals and contributing with several important assists.
His most memorable moment came in the quarterfinal against England when he curled in a stunning free-kick from over 40 yards out to hand Brazil the lead. A true magician on the pitch, Ronaldinho was playing for PSG in 2002. He famously made a move to Barcelona in 2003, where he established himself as one of the greatest players of all time.
Now
After his spell at Barcelona, Ronaldinho went on to play for European giants AC Milan followed by spells in Brazilian clubs, Flamengo and Atletico Mineiro. He then went on to Mexican club Queretaro before he last played professionally at Fluminense.
Ronaldinho also played in India as part of the Goa 5s team in the Premier Futsal League. Currently, the Brazilian superstar is officially back in Barcelona on a 10-year contract as the Catalan club’s ambassador.
#12 Dida
Then
One of the greatest Brazilian goalkeepers of all time, Dida did not play much of a role in Brazil’s 2002 World Cup triumph as Scolari preferred to start Marcos over him. The towering goalkeeper was part of Serie A side AC Milan in 2002.
Now
Dida became the first choice goalkeeper for Brazil in 2003 and he played his last international match in 2006. The Brazilian has the incredible record of saving 6 of the 8 penalties he came up against in international football. After his long and successful spell at Milan, Dida had spells at Portuguesa and Gremio before finally calling time on his career at Internacional in 2015.
#13 Juliano Belletti
Then
Juliano Belletti mainly played as a right-back and when you have Cafu in the squad, it is not so easy to get regular playing time. The Brazilian made a single appearance in the 2002 World CuP coming on to replace Kleberson in the second half of the semi-final against Turkey. Belletti was playing for Sao Paulo in 2002.
Now
After the World Cup, Belletti made a move to Villarreal, before having successful spells at Barcelona and Chelsea. He then moved back to his home country Brazil where he finally retired in 2012 at Fluminese. Belletti like many of his team-mates is a pundit occasionally in his home country of Brazil.
#14 Anderson Polga
Then
One of the squad players in the Brazil team for 2002, Anderson Polga made 2 complete appearances in the World Cup playing against China and Costa Rica. A solid centre-back with good positioning skills, Polga was playing for Gremio in 2002.
Now
After consistent performances in 2002, Polga made a move to Portuguese giants Sporting CP where he spent the majority of his career making 327 appearances and winning four major titles. The defender finally retired in 2012 at Brazilian club Corinthians. The 38-year-old has not had much media attention since 2012 and is believed to be leading a quite private life in Brazil.
#15 Kleberson
Then
Brazilian midfielder Kleberson played a surprisingly important role in Brazil's 2002 World Cup triumph. Relegated to the bench for the first four matches, Kleberson first made it into the starting 11 in the quarterfinal against England. After impressing with his tenacious approach, the midfielder even started the semi-final and final setting up one of Ronaldo’s goal in the showpiece match against Germany. Kleberson was playing for Brazilian club Atletico Paranaense in 2002.
Now
After his impressive performances in 2002, the Brazilian made a much-publicised move to Manchester United. However, things did not go according to plan and the midfielder had spells at Besiktas, Flamengo and Bahia among others. Currently, Kleberson is playing for American club Fort Lauderdale Strikers in the North American League.
#16 Junior
Then
Jenilson Angelo de Souza usually known as Junior was the back-up left-back in Scolari’s 2002 Brazil side. He played 22 times for the Brazil senior squad and has scored one goal which came in Brazil’s 5-2 victory over Costa Rica in the 2002 World Cup. Junior was playing for Parma in 2002.
Now
Junior last played for Brazil before he left Italy to move to back to his home country of Brazil. After playing for Sao Paulo and Atletico Minero, Junior finally retired in 2010 at Goias. What Junior is doing now is a bit unclear as there are no media reports about the 2002 World Cup winning left-back.
#17 Denilson
Then
A creative and technically gifted left-winger, Denilson was mainly known for his dribbling skills and caused opposition defenders plenty of problems with this feints and stepovers. Appearing as a substitute 5 times in the tournament, Denilson had some moments of magic in the 2002 World Cup. The tricky winger was playing for Real Betis in 2002.
Now
Denilson made 61 appearances for the Brazil national team and last played for them in 2003. After his spell at Betis, Denilson played for Bordeaux and FC Dallas among others before finally retiring at Nea Kavala in 2010. It was a sad end for the player who once had the world at his feet. He was even the most expensive player for a small period of time when Bets made a £21 million bid to sign him in 1998.
#18 Vampeta
Then
A squad player under Scolari in the 2002 FIFA World Cup, Vampeta made a solitary substitute appearance in Brazil’s opening match against Turkey. A hard working midfielder, Vampeta made 39 appearances for the Brazil national team. Vampeta was playing for Corinthians in 2002.
Now
The Brazilian midfielder played in a number of top clubs like Inter Milan and PSG after but he failed to have any kind of notable impact. After spells at Vitoria, Kuwait SC and Brasiliense, Vampeta retired in 2008 at Juventus Da Mooca. The former Brazil international then took up management and became manager of Gremio Osaco in 2011.
#19 Juninho Paulista
Then
Known as ‘The Little Fellow’ or TLF by the Middlesbrough fans, Juninho Paulista was a talented midfielder who was known for his dribbling, control, silken first touch and accurate through balls. During the 2002 World Cup, Juninho started every match until the quarterfinals against England where he was replaced by Kleberson. He made an 85th-minute substitute appearance in the World Cup final against Germany. Juninho was playing for Atletico Madrid in 2002.
Now
After 2002 World Cup, Juninho returned to Middlesbrough where he played a starring role in their League Cup triumph and cemented his legacy as one of their greatest players of all time. The Brazilian had spells at Celtic, Palmeiras, Flamengo and Sydney FC before reducing childhood club Ituano with a goal that rescued them from relegation. Juninho returned in 2010 as the Player-President of Ituano.
#20 Edilson
Then
A tricky dribbler, Edilson played in the second striker role and was known for his hard work and technical skills. In the 2002 World Cup, Edilson made 4 appearances, starting in the matches against Costa Rica and Turkey and coming off the bench against China and in the quarterfinals against England. Edilson was playing for Flamengo in 2002.
Now
The Brazilian played for a number of clubs after 2002, most notably for Vitoria, Bahia and Al Ain. Edilson last played an international match in 2002. Although he retired from club football in 2010, the Brazilian made a shock playing return in 2016 to Clube Atlético Taboão da Serra at the age of 45.
#21 Luizao
Then
Now
Luizao last played for the Brazil national team in 2002. After the World Cup, the striker made a move to Germany where he played a couple of decent seasons for Hertha BSC. He, however, soon returned to Brazil and played for clubs like Sao Paulo, Santos and Flamengo before playing his last professional club game at Sao Caetano in 2008. Luizao has stayed away from media attention since then and it is unsure as to what the former World Cup winning striker is up to at the moment.
#22 Rogerio Ceni
Then
One of the greatest Brazilian goalkeepers of all time, Rogerio Ceni was perhaps unlucky to play in the era of Marcos and Dida. A Sao Paulo legend, Ceni had an incredible career spending time from 1992-2016 at the Brazilian giants. In 2002 World Cup, Ceni was the third choice goalkeeper and did not make a single appearance in the marquee event.
Now
After spending the entirety of his career at Sao Paulo. Ceni retired in 2016 as a bonafide club legend. The goalkeeper was also a set-piece expert and has scored a number of goals for his club side. Currently, the former Brazil international is the manager of Sao Paulo.
#23 Kaka
Then
One of the greatest playmakers of this generation, Kaka had just started making strides in international football in 2002. The Brazilian first burst onto the scene in 2001 at Sao Paulo and was more of a squad member rather than an important influence in the 2002 World Cup. In fact, Kaka played just 25 minutes in total making only one appearance against Costa Rica. However, 2002 was only the beginning of the legendary career of Kaka.
Now
After the World Cup, Kaka made a move to AC Milan where he cemented his legacy as one of the greatest players of this generation. He then made a big-money transfer to Madrid, where things did not go as expected.
After his ill-fated spell at Real Madrid, Kaka made an emotional return to former team AC Milan before finally making a move to MLS side Orlando City. The Brazilian number 10 still plies his trade for Orlando City and he was one of their top performers last season where he scored 9 goals and grabbed 10 assists in 24 appearances.
Kaka is currently the highest paid player in MLS.
