Petkovic Questions CBF’s Logic
With the current allowance of up to nine foreign players per match, set to be gradually reduced to five by 2030, the CBF aims to open up more opportunities for Brazilian talent. However, Petkovic argues that player quality, regardless of nationality, should be the primary factor. He points to the development model in countries like England and Spain, which scout young talents from other markets for them to develop and eventually no longer be considered foreign.
“It doesn’t matter where you’re from, what matters is what you show. What you play is not a problem. Why do teams from England or the top leagues sign younger players from here who are stars? So that in three years, they develop and are no longer foreigners. That’s why they go at 17, 18 years old. Cases like Estevão, Rodrygo, Endrick”
Petkovic stated in an interview with the portal Estadão.
Youth Development: The Focus of Criticism
The former midfielder’s main criticism targets the athlete development model in Brazil. For Petkovic, simply reducing the number of foreign players won’t solve the existing bottlenecks in youth academies. He emphasizes the need for more in-depth work in developing young players, criticizing the excessive pressure for results which, he believes, can lead to prioritizing physically stronger athletes over the development of diverse technical skills.
Citing Spain as an example, where development concepts are worked on from an early age, Petkovic recalled cases like Lionel Messi, who had a crucial part of his development in Spanish football.
The Mercosul Case and Naturalization
Another point raised by the Flamengo idol concerns South American players. He questions the classification of players from Mercosul countries as “foreigners” in a single category. “If Brazil is part of the Mercosul group, then why would an Argentine or Uruguayan be considered foreign?”
Furthermore, he recalls that foreign players who reside and work in Brazil for extended periods have the option to seek naturalization.
Petkovic advocates for continuous debate on regulations, arguing that Brazil should consider its specific footballing characteristics before simply replicating models from other countries.
Petkovic’s career in Brazil is extensive, with notable stints at clubs such as Vitória, Vasco, Fluminense, Santos, and Atlético-MG, in addition to his idol status at Flamengo. With the Rubro-Negro, he won important titles, including the 2009 Brazilian Championship, where he played a decisive role.
The discussion about the foreign player limit and youth development promises to continue shaping Brazilian football, with opinions from figures like Petkovic adding weight and perspective to the debate.
Translated by Equipe M360
