You will never see Brazilian football the same way again! Out now on Amazon

Rebels, Rogues, Guns & Gods provides unprecedented insight into the complex fabric of Brazilian football—a sport that resonates within the national psyche but remains cloaked in layers of complexity.
Celebrated for its vibrant culture, Brazil is renowned for the flamboyance of its players and fans. Yet beneath the surface lies a landscape of contradictions—a world marred by crime, corruption, and harsh realities, including exploitation, violence and murder.
This book will change the way you see Brazilian football and challenge your understanding of its place in the world.

Featuring: Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, Romário, Roberto Carlos, Robinho, Edmundo, Adriano, Garrincha, Breno Borges, Bruno Fernandes, among many others.

The tournament has become a stage for national identity—yet not all fan bases are as cohesive as they seem. Take Brazil: their supporters are conspicuous across the United States, buoyed by a large expat community. While they have been vibrant and boisterous, support is fragmented and the behaviour is markedly different from the partisan fervour seen at home. Many Brazilians look with envy at the apparent unity among England fans and the bond they share with the Three Lions. The Movimento Verde Amarelo (Green Yellow Movement, or MVA) is at this World Cup intent on rekindling a more collective effervescence among those watching the Seleção.

When the Brazil team are greeted by an army of followers in yellow-and-green striped shirts at airports and hotels, or when groups of fans at street gatherings appear on social media, it can look like a spontaneous outpouring of national affection. In truth, much of what appears to be an exuberant impulse is organised—choreographed by the MVA and coordinated with the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF).

Intrigued by what you’ve read? Let me know and I’ll post the rest of this article.

The squad includes six Brazil-based players and a large number of Premier League footballers. Alisson (Liverpool), Gabriel Magalhães and Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal), Casemiro and Matheus Cunha (Manchester United), Igor Thiago (Brentford), Rayan (Bournemouth) and Bruno Guimarães (Newcastle) all make the cut. Chelsea’s Estêvão and Real Madrid’s Rodrygo and Éder Militão are injured and miss the tournament.

Full squad.

Goalkeepers: Alisson (Liverpool), Ederson (Fenerbahçe), Weverton (Grêmio)

Defenders: Alex Sandro (Flamengo), Bremer (Juventus), Danilo (Flamengo), Douglas Santos (Zenit), Gabriel Magalhães (Arsenal), Ibañez (Al-Ahli), Léo Pereira (Flamengo), Marquinhos (PSG), Wesley (Roma)

Midfielders: Bruno Guimarães (Newcastle), Casemiro (Manchester United), Danilo Santos (Botafogo), Fabinho (Al-Ittihad), Lucas Paquetá (Flamengo)

Forwards: Endrick (Lyon), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal), Igor Thiago (Brentford), Luiz Henrique (Zenit), Matheus Cunha (Manchester United), Neymar (Santos), Raphinha (Barcelona), Rayan (Bournemouth), Vini Jr. (Real Madrid)

For decades, Brazil have kept us spellbound with their brand of intoxicating football. The skills have been breathtaking, the moves and tricks audacious, and millions have been enchanted by Pelé, Rivellino, Gérson, Jairzinho, Sócrates, Zico, Ronaldinho and countless other fantastic players. The South Americans have lifted the World Cup a record five times. But with no wins since 2002, their position as the globe’s most successful soccer nation is under threat, and only victory in the USA, Canada and Mexico will silence their critics.

The triumphs in 1958 and 1962, the genius of Romário in 1994 and Ronaldo in 2002 all added to the allure. But it is the mesmerising football played in 1970 and 1982 that continues to capture the imagination of Brazil’s followers worldwide, setting the awe-inspiring yellow shirts apart. This book brings to life how the Brazilians dominated international football and became the embodiment of everything joyous about the game.

From Triumph to Turmoil: The Complex Tale of Brazil’s National Team!

Introducing, ‘Brazil in the World Cup: The Story of the Seleção on Football’s Greatest Stage.’

The book will take you on a journey through the vibrant history of Brazil’s national football team, exploring their unparalleled success – five-time World Cup champions – and the complexities that accompany their legacy. From the exhilarating triumphs of 1958, 1962, and 2002 to the struggles of recent tournaments, this book details the captivating story of a national team that embodies the joys and sorrows of football.

Inside, you’ll discover:

• Historical insights, tracing Brazil’s World Cup campaigns from the first tournament in 1930 to the build-up for the 2026 World Cup.
• Colourful characters both on and off the pitch, including legendary players and iconic coaches who have shaped the Seleção’s destiny.
• Cultural contexts that reflect the intricate relationship between football and national identity in Brazil addressing the challenges faced in the sport today.

As we gear up for the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico, the pressure mounts for Brazil to reclaim its glory and silence its critics. This book not only celebrates their storied past but also examines their current struggles and potential resurgence.

Join me in exploring a narrative rich with passion, historical depth and the relentless spirit of Brazil.

Read the extract in the link and embark on this thrilling journey through the world of Brazilian football!

The South Americans start their campaign against Serbia 24^th November and then face Switzerland and Cameroon in Group G.

Goalkeepers

Alisson – Liverpool

Ederson – Manchester City

Weverton – Palmeiras

Wing backs

Danilo – Juventus

Alex Sandro – Juventus

Daniel Alves – Pumas

Alex Telles – Sevilla

Centre-backs

Militão – Real Madrid

Marquinhos – PSG

Thiago Silva – Chelsea

Bremer – Juventus

Midfielders

Bruno Guimarães – Newcastle

Casemiro – Manchester United

Fabinho – Liverpool

Fred – Manchester United

Paquetá – West Ham

Everton Ribeiro – Flamengo

Forwards

Neymar – PSG

Vinicius Júnior – Real Madrid

Antony – Manchester United

Rodrygo – Real Madrid

Raphinha – Barcelona

Richarlison – Tottenham

Pedro – Flamengo

Gabriel Jesus – Arsenal

Gabriel Martinelli – Arsenal

Tite has called up his squad for the friendlies against Ghana and Tunisia. The South Americans will play Ghana on 23^rd September in the Oceane stadium in Le Havre, France, and Tunisia four days later in Le Parc des Princes in Paris. These are Brazil’s final matches before they take on Serbia on 24^th November in their opening fixture in the World Cup.

Goalkeepers

Alisson – Liverpool

Ederson – Manchester City

Weverton – Palmeiras

Centre-backs

Bremer – Juventus

Militão – Real Madrid

Marquinhos – PSG

Ibañez – Roma

Thiago Silva – Chelsea

Wingbacks

Danilo – Juventus

Alex Sandro – Juventus

Alex Telles – Sevilla

Midfielders

Bruno Guimarães – Newcastle

Casemiro – Manchester United

Everton Ribeiro – Flamengo

Fabinho – Liverpool

Fred – Manchester United

Paquetá – West Ham

Forwards

Antony – Manchester United

Firmino – Liverpool

Matheus Cunha – Atlético Madrid

Neymar – PSG

Pedro – Flamengo

Raphinha – Barcelona

Richarlison – Tottenham

Rodrygo – Real Madrid

Vinicius Júnior – Real Madrid

The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) has said that the seleção will take on Tunisia on 23^rd September and Ghana four days later. The matches are part of Brazil’s build up for the World Cup in Qatar. The venues are yet to be decided with the CBF pushing for Paris or London as possible locations.