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After a dismal performance at the 2016 Copa America Centenario in the United States, Brazil revived their status later that year with an Olympic gold medal. This was the first time the country won the award after losing the previous three finals in their history - 1984, 1988 and 2012. The fact that they managed to do so against their close rivals, Germany, in front of 78,000 home fans at the Maracana made it such an adorable fete.
Under-20 coach Rogerio Micale, who had been appointed to guide the nation in that year's edition, chose a group of inexperienced Under-23s, with the exception of Neymar, Renato Augusto and goalkeeper Weverton, who were given the call as the three only allowed overage players according to the rules of the Olympics. After all, this was a team going on a reconstruction phase after some unconvincing performances over the years and there couldn't be a proper time to do it.
The experiment worked well with Brazil managing to pocket their first Olympic Men's Football gold medal after many years of waiting.
Max Meyer's second-half goal cancelled Neymar's first-half free-kick forcing the game into extra time, with the Selecao winning it via penalties. It was a convincing performance from Brazil in years and it came at the right time to add the only title missing in the South American nation's trophy cabinet, thanks to the next generation of talents. Here we take a look at where this generation of Bazilian talents has ended up since that triumph at the Maracana.
Goalkeeper: Weverton
The goalkeeper was called upon to replace Fernando Prass, following his injury a couple of days prior to the tournament. The then 28-year-old was playing for professional club Atletico Paranaense and he had never been selected for the Selecao before. Weverton repaid back the faith after a strong tournament in which he managed to keep 5 clean sheets out of 6, the only goal he conceded being in the finals against Germany. His vital save in the shootout to deny Germany's Nils Petersen was perhaps his best contribution.
At the age of 31, he currently plays for Brazilian club Palmeiras.
Right-back: Zeca
Jose Carlos Cracco Netto was earmarked for success since his spell with Santos, the club he joined at the age of 11 years. Zeca featured in all the 6 games at the 2016 Olympics and was a crucial figure of Brazil's defence which managed 5 clean sheets. The versatile full-back was then close to a move to Europe after the Olympics, with both PSG and Atletico Madrid interested but then no deal materialised, thereby making him stay at Santos until last year when he moved to Internacional. The 24-year-old has been one of the best performers for the Brazilian club this season.
Centre-back: Maquinhos
After a dismal performance at the Copa America earlier that year, Maquinhos revived himself and had one of his best tournaments for Brazil at the Olympics. Now 24 years of age, the versatile defender plays for French club Paris Saint-Germain. This season he has been deployed both as a central defender and as a defensive midfielder under manager Thomas Tuchel.
Centre-back: Rodrigo Caio
Caio joined Flamengo at the beginning of the year from his boyhood club Sao Paulo in a deal until 2023. The light and agile defender made his name on the footballing platform at the Olympics and his understanding with Maquinhos contributed a lot in solidifying the back at a time when the attack was struggling (during the first 2 games of the tournament). However, despite his defensive showing at the Olympics, he hasn't featured a lot for the national team since.
Left-back: Douglas Santos
The 25-year-old was crucial for Brazil in the campaign and contributed greatly towards Brazil's triumph. Blessed with brilliant athleticism and strong dribbling ability, coupled with a good passing technique, Santos is a typical modern-day full-back and it was like he was destined for the top level. He joined Bundesliga club Hamburger SV immediately after the Olympics. This season, he has managed to clock a total of 26 appearances in the Bundesliga B.
Defensive midfielder: Wallace Souza Silva
Wallace currently plays for Bundesliga outfit Hannover 96 as a defensive midfielder. He has featured in 21 appearances for the struggling German side this season. The 23-year-old was called up in the Olympic squad as a replacement for Fred, whose club Shakhtar Donetsk refused to release him for the tournament. Wallace did well as he featured 4 times for the Selecao.
Central midfielder: Renato Augusto
Renato Augusto was once touted as one of the best products to come through Flamengo's youth set-up during his time at the academy. But it is safe to say he has not lived up to the hype surrounding him. However, the 32-year-old has found himself in almost all the national team squads since the Olympics and was also a part of the Selecao team in Russia. Renato currently plays for Beijing Guoan in the Chinese Super League.
Attacking midfielder: Luan Guilherme
While most players make the switch out of Gremio after a successful breakthrough, Luan has stayed put at the club, despite a host of European clubs being interested in him over the years. The 26-year-old, along with Pedro Geromel and Barcelona's Arthur, were crucial members of the Gremio squad which clinched the Copa Libertadores in 2017. Luan is an intelligent playmaker with a great vision and brilliant dribbling ability, and he has been one of the best players in the Brasileirao for the past three years.
Forward: Gabriel Barbosa
After an unsuccessful spell in Europe with both Inter and Benfica, 'Gabigol' decided to move back to Brazil to revive his career with Flamengo. The 22-year-old was once criticised by former Inter manager Frank de Boer for his poor work ethic during his spell with the Italian club. It seems as if Gabigol has found his form back in Brazil as he has managed to find the back of the net 8 times in only 11 matches this year.
Forward: Gabriel Jesus
Jesus played in the Olympics, having already sealed a move to Manchester City from Palmeiras. The Brazilian started life well at the English club and has featured frequently as a back-up to Sergio Aguero. He has also featured in most national team games as the main striker for the Selecao, including the World cup in Russia. This season he has scored 17 goals for Manchester City in all competitions, having started in only 18 games.
Forward: Neymar Jr
Neymar was recently part of one of the most controversial transfers in recent history after leaving Barcelona for PSG. The Brazilian sealed the move to the French capital making him the most expensive transfer in history. Prior to his injury in February, he has been involved in 31 goals in 28 matches for both club and country this season.
Substitutes:
Rafinha- Currently at Barcelona. Has never featured for the club since having knee surgery in late December last year.
Felipe Anderson: Currently playing for English club West Ham United.
