FIFA World Cup 2026: Marquinhos brushes aside Shiogai's remarks on Neymar, says "we leave that talk to the opponents"
Texas, June 29
Brazil captain Marquinhos responded to comments made by Japan forward Kento Shiogai regarding Neymar and Brazil's strength ahead of the two sides' FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 clash on Monday, saying the Brazilian team prefers to let its football do the talking.
According to Goal.com, Shiogai had said that Neymar "wasn't the same anymore" and suggested that Brazil no longer command the same level of respect as it once did.
In reply, in an interview with Caze TV as quoted by Goal.com, Marquinhos said that comments from opponents help motivate Brazil's team. He added that the squad has been working with humility during their time in the United States and prefers to let rivals talk while they focus on their preparation.
"It's good that they keep talking to keep motivating our team. We've been in the United States for a month, working with a lot of humility. We leave that talk to the opponents, let them keep talking a lot to motivate us," the defender stated as quoted by Goal.com.
Marquinhos also stressed that modern football has become increasingly competitive and balanced, requiring intelligence and composure from teams at every stage of the competition. While suggesting that Japan's remarks reflected a degree of arrogance, he maintained that Brazil remains one of the strongest teams in world football.
"It's a fact that football today is very balanced. It's about having intelligence, wisdom, maybe it was a bit of arrogance on their part. Brazil continues to be a great team. It's about showing our strength, quality... with every ball, knowing that it can be decisive... we leave that (talking) to them and let it serve as motivation to win the game," said Marquinhos.
Brazil entered the Round of 32 after finishing at the top of Group C, continuing their remarkable record of topping their World Cup group for the 12th consecutive tournament. The five-time world champions have finished first in their group at every FIFA World Cup since 1982, extending a streak that now spans more than four decades.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Shiogai's comments were unnecessary. Brazil has been topping their group for 12 straight World Cups - that's an incredible record. Marquinhos handled it perfectly, with class and confidence. Let the football do the talking indeed 👏
Honestly, I kind of respect Shiogai for speaking his mind. Football needs more characters who aren't afraid to call it as they see it. But Marquinhos is right - Brazil's record speaks volumes. Should be a cracking match regardless!
Bit of arrogance from both sides if you ask me. Japan shouldn't be trash-talking a five-time champion, and Brazil shouldn't be writing off a team that reached the Round of 16 last time. Let's just enjoy the game and see who performs better on the day.
Brazil's group stage record is unreal - 12 tournaments straight topping the group! That kind of consistency deserves respect. But modern football is so competitive now, even Brazil can't take anyone lightly. Hope it's a great match with no injuries 🙏
Marquinhos is absolute class. Instead of getting into a war of words, he just says "let them talk" and focuses on the game. That's the mark of a true leader and champion mentality. Brazil might not be the invincible force they once were, but they're still dangerous.
D