Brazilian football in freefall as painful Olympics exit brands latest failure an 'embarrassment'

The crisis in Brazilian football continues with the team now failing to qualify for the Paris Olympics. After a series of underwhelming results, the chaos within their own country's federation and the absent managership, fans are bereft.

Their gloom deepened on Sunday as their rivals Argentina beat them, meaning Brazil – who have previously won twice – will now miss the summer tournament. "It is sad, but it is more of an embarrassment," soccer forward John Kennedy shared after their 1-0 defeat. "We should have wanted to win more than we did." Not qualifying for the Olympics in 1992 and 2004 was disappointing, but then the senior national team wasn't in trouble. Nowadays, Brazil is suffering in South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup, stuck in sixth place. Moreover, Neymar, its star player, has been injured since October.

Hopes rested on 17 year old striker Endrick, destined for Real Madrid this summer, yet he only managed to score in two out of seven matches in Olympic qualifications. There were also high hopes to see Neymar and Endrick play together for Brazil in the Paris Olympics and secure an unprecedented third consecutive gold medal. However, Argentina's Thiago Almada, a World Cup-winning midfielder, netted five times in contrast.

The Olympic football tournament, which mainly features Under-23 players, doesn't hold the same prestige as the World Cup or continental championships like the Copa America. However, Brazil's absence is a blow to national pride, particularly for those who see Endrick as the country's next big star.

Endrick was expected to bolster the senior team's attack alongside Vinicius Jr. and Rodrygo at the Copa America. Meanwhile, Brazil's senior team will play friendlies against England and