Brazil’s Samba Boys have rallied around their teammate, Tottenham Hotspur striker Richarlison, who was left in tears after he was substituted for poor performances in Brazil’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Bolivia.
The former Watford striker started in Brazil’s 5 – 1 win over Bolivia but lasted a little over an hour. In that time, he missed a gilt-edged chance to register his first goal in a while for both club and country. Brazil’s caretaker manager Fernando Diniz subbed out the striker, who left the pitch saddened by his poor run of form.
Richarlison’s show of emotion was captured by the stadium cameras and the viral moment has now been empathised with by football fans all over.
His international teammates have also extended a hand of support to the 26-year-old according to Wolverhampton Wanderers striker Matheus Cunha.
Cunha, who was in a similar position a few myths ago thanks to his performances being glossed over by Brazil’s management at the time, made these claims. The former Atlético de Madrid man claimed that his parents, who were on the pitch to watch him play for Brazil, were the first to embrace Richarlison after the game in sympathy for his struggles.
“My family was by my side. My parents came out to hug him before anyone else because they had already lived that with their son,” Cunha told Brazilian outlet UOL. “Everyone will make mistakes, it’s human, and the most important thing is the selection’s victory. We have a responsibility, of course.”
Cunha went on to state that Richarlison’s good form was beneficial to him thanks to both of them having to compete for the starting shirt in the squad for their qualifier against Peru on Wednesday.
“He’s a great player and we’re close friends,” the Wolves striker said. “I want him to be at his best because the competition for places is both against him and myself.”
Diniz also pointed out that the supporters of the Brazil national football team were also behind Richarlison. “He was applauded, which shows the affection he generates among Brazilians,” Diniz said.
“We will do everything for him to remain calm because he is a great player and I’m confident he will take his chances.”
Meanwhile, Spurs fans sent in messages of support to their striker after the Bolivia game. “Richarlison in tears after being subbed off against Bolivia… a difficult moment in his career but one I’m backing you to overcome,” one fan posted to social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter. Another hopeful Spurs fan posted: “If anybody can get him back to his best, it’s Big Ange. We support you Richarlison.”
One fan acknowledged his – as well as other Spurs fans’ – criticisms of Richarlison and called for a ceasefire in the player’s moment of struggle. “I know us fans have been very critical of him, but at the end of the day we know the talent is in him. Just going through one of those rough slumps, I believe in him,” the fan posted.
