Brazil legend Romario lashes out at Ancelotti: 'Should be taken to court'

Brazilian legend Romario has savaged national team coach Carlo Ancelotti after the Selecao's World Cup exit, calling for him to face court action. The...

90min.footballAI-assisted reporting

10 July 2026, 08:11 UTC2 min read

In short

Brazilian legend Romario has savaged national team coach Carlo Ancelotti after the Selecao's World Cup exit, calling for him to face court action. The 1994 champion accused Ancelotti of ruining Brazilian football with a lack of identity and style. Brazil's quarter-final defeat has placed Ancelotti's future in severe doubt as Romario's outburst reflects widespread fan discontent.

Brazilian icon Romario has launched a scathing attack on national team coach Carlo Ancelotti after the Selecao's disappointing elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The 1994 World Cup winner, never one to mince words, insisted the Italian tactician should face legal consequences for the team's performance.

Romario's furious reaction

Speaking to reporters, Romario did not hold back.

Ancelotti should be taken to court for what he did to Brazilian football. It's a disgrace. We have so much talent, and he couldn't build a team that respected our history. The CBF needs to answer for this disaster.

His comments came within hours of Brazil's quarter-final exit, which saw them outplayed and outthought by a well-organized opponent.

The former striker, who scored 55 goals for Brazil, has been a vocal critic of Ancelotti's appointment from the start, questioning whether a foreign coach could truly understand the essence of Brazilian football. "He never grasped our style, our samba, our joy," Romario added.

Ancelotti under fire

Ancelotti took over the national team in 2023 amid huge expectations, but Brazil's World Cup campaign never clicked. Fans and pundits alike pointed to a lack of identity and cohesion, with the team often relying on individual brilliance rather than a collective system. The quarter-final loss, which followed a nervy group stage, has intensified calls for the experienced coach's removal.

What went wrong?

Under Ancelotti, Brazil enjoyed moments of flair but struggled defensively when it mattered most. Injuries to key players disrupted his plans, but critics argue his squad selections and in-game management were below par. Romario's explosive remarks echo a growing sentiment among supporters who demand a return to attacking, fearless football.

Key Takeaways

Romario has demanded that Carlo Ancelotti be held legally accountable for Brazil's World Cup failure.
The Brazil legend criticized the Italian for lacking an understanding of Brazilian football culture.
Brazil's quarter-final exit has triggered intense scrutiny of Ancelotti's tenure and tactics.
Pressure is mounting on the CBF to make a change ahead of the next Copa America.