Brazilian football legend Ronaldo sharply criticized the current Brazilian national team, describing the players as “cry babies” and asserting that no team fears them anymore. The remarks came during Ronaldo’s visit to New Jersey, where he watched a match featuring Carlo Ancelotti’s side, which ended in a 1-1 draw against Morocco.

Ronaldo, 49, contrasted today’s players with his generation, emphasizing their passion and commitment. He lamented modern football’s focus on social media, fashion, and personal branding, suggesting that such distractions take away from the core values of the sport. “We gave everything for the badge, our teammates and the fans,” he said. “We didn’t step on to the pitch thinking about followers or sponsorships. We thought about winning, making Brazil proud and leaving everything on the field.”

Reflecting on Brazil’s last World Cup triumph in 2002, in which he scored twice in the final against Germany, Ronaldo highlighted the respect and fear his team commanded worldwide. He pointed to the presence of stars like Rivaldo, Ronaldinho, Cafu, and Roberto Carlos as integral to creating a "fear factor" that he believes is missing today. “They were beaten before the match because they knew they were facing world-class players,” he said. “That fear factor is gone. Our hunger, sacrifice and obsession with the game made us special. We lived football every single day.”

Ronaldo’s comments underline a broader debate about the changing nature of professional football, where the balance between athletic performance and commercial interests remains a point of contention among former players and pundits alike.