The Brazilian Football Player's Supernatural Talent Development: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Brazil has had a very big influence in football for years, with numerous players and coaches having secured playing and coaching contracts in leagues worldwide. Ironically, how Brazil has become so successful in producing so many supernaturally talented players has scarcely received scholarly attention. Therefore, the current study aimed to reach a deeper understanding of how supernaturally talented players often emerge from Brazil. Six coaches and 18 players from São Paolo second division league clubs, and four sports science experts from Universidade de São Paolo, were involved in this study. A qualitative study design was conducted where data were collected using an open-ended semi-structured in-depth interview, observations, and field notes during a three-month attachment program in São Paolo. The data were analysed using thematic analysis. As a result, seven core themes emerged: football culture, appreciation culture, futebol de várzea, Futebol de Salao (Futsal), small-sided game, winning mentality, and competition structure. Exchange programs involving coaches, players, sports coaching students and sports science experts should be seriously carried out between Brazil and developing countries in football.