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Brazilian Legend Cafu Backs India's Potential As Emerging Football Power

Former World Cup winner Marcio Cafu has expressed confidence in India's ability to develop into a major football nation, suggesting Brazil could play a mentoring role in the country's sporting advancement.

LSN India · 5 September 2026

Cafu, who won the FIFA World Cup twice with Brazil, has backed India to establish itself as a significant force in global football, drawing parallels with how other Asian nations have benefited from Brazilian expertise. The legendary defender pointed to Brazil's historical influence in developing football programmes across the continent, with countries including Japan and China having previously tapped into Brazilian coaching and technical knowledge to strengthen their respective football systems. Cafu suggested that closer ties between Brazil and India, leveraging the South American nation's extensive experience and success in football development, could accelerate India's journey towards becoming a competitive international side. The endorsement comes at a time when Indian football continues to expand its infrastructure and competitive reach within Asia. Such bilateral cooperation, according to Cafu, could prove instrumental in helping India translate its large population base and sporting ambitions into tangible results on the football pitch.