Taffarel at 60: The pressure is always there for Brazil
Legendary 1994 FIFA World Cup winner turns 60 today and is aiming to help Brazil secure a sixth star as part of Carlo Ancelotti's coaching staff heading to North America.
In Brazil, certain catchphrases are synonymous with the FIFA World Cup™. Few are more iconic than the cry directed at Brazil’s first-choice goalkeeper at three global finals: “Come out, it’s yours Taffarel!”, as immortalised by the legendary commentator Galvao Bueno.
The legendary Taffarel turns 60 this Friday, 8 May, and remains part of the Seleção’s day-to-day set-up. As Brazil’s goalkeeping coach, he will once again bring his vast experience to the squad led by Carlo Ancelotti at the FIFA World Cup 2026™.
The former goalkeeper spoke to FIFA about some of his greatest moments with the national team, the evolution of the position, and Brazil's preparations for the tournament.
FIFA: You’ve dedicated so many years to the goalkeeper position and the role has evolved enormously over recent decades. How much has that changed the profile of the player wearing the No1 shirt?
Taffarel: The position really has changed a lot. The game has become quicker, and much more interesting for goalkeepers in terms of involvement. The goalkeeper starts attacks and keeps the ball circulating until the team settles into shape. There is much more work with the feet, as well as the speed of the game, because the ball travels much faster now. The physical profile has changed too. Goalkeepers need to be taller than ever.
At which World Cup did you produce your best performances, and what was your best match?
They were three very different World Cups. In 1990 I was still very young, just 24 years old. I felt great physically and mentally, despite my lack of experience. Sometimes I felt that even if a shot was going over the bar, I could still jump up and catch it if I wanted to. Unfortunately, it wasn’t a happy World Cup for us. We had a great squad, perhaps the best at the tournament, but we weren’t a very good group, and we lacked the togetherness needed to win.
By 1994, I was already playing in Europe and far more experienced; everything seemed easy. I felt very calm, we had an excellent group, and that carried us all the way to the title.
Speaking of 1994, how would you describe the atmosphere within that Brazil squad?
Confidence was sky-high - not only mine, everyone’s. Italy suffered a lot on the way to the final, with several players injured and playing through pain. The heat was intense and we wanted to rise above it all. We knew it was Brazil’s time to win. We stepped onto the pitch fully focused. I think we played better, and fate decided it would go to penalties. Unfortunately someone always misses, and this time it was Baggio. Football is decided by those fine margins, but Brazil deserved the trophy.
You became renowned for penalty shoot-outs. How much has that aspect evolved since then? Does instinct still matter?
Today we go into penalty shoot-outs with far more detailed information, but the best penalty takers are still the ones who think on their feet. There’s no point knowing that a player tends to shoot one way and assuming that it’s a certainty. A goalkeeper still needs instinct, something we relied on a lot in the past.
We didn’t have so much data back then, so we based our decisions on the taker’s body language, how he looked at you, how he looked at the goal… lots of little details that we tried to read to make the right decision. Goalkeepers were also allowed to move slightly earlier then. Today you have to keep a foot on the line. In one sense that makes it harder, but some penalty-takers don’t like it when the goalkeeper stays still, because it makes them more nervous.
Brazil are trying to end a 24-year wait for the title, just as in 1994. How do you deal with that pressure?
I think the pressure was greater in the past because Brazil always went to the World Cup and had to win. Today the competition is extremely fierce. Lots of teams are tipped as possible winners, and Brazil are not the only team in contention. They never were, but in the past, there was still a strong expectation that Brazil would win.
I don’t think it’s quite like that now. Brazil are not going into this World Cup as favourites, which I actually find interesting. In 1994 we also went into the tournament without huge expectations, but there was plenty of pressure. And we came back as champions. The pressure is always there.
Brazil is likely to be without several key players due to injury. How do you cope with that?
The list of absentees is really getting serious, but we can’t focus on who is missing - only on who is available, and on preparing well. They’re all experienced players. Many of them are still young, but already carry a lot of responsibility. They understand the importance of a World Cup.
Everyone is eager to play and perform well. We always exchange information and share responsibilities; that is important. This dialogue between those who’ve been through it before and those who are going through it now is vital. A good group is one that is a mix of both.
How do you see Brazil’s current crop of goalkeepers?
Brazil has improved enormously in this position. We have goalkeepers playing for top clubs abroad, which is a testament to the excellent work done by the academies. In previous World Cups, Brazil’s goalkeepers have always put in strong performances. So, I feel very comfortable with the players we are taking. The supporters can rest assured too, because they’re going to see good performances.
Alisson has struggled with injuries this season. How is his recovery going?
We have a good relationship. Even before I became his goalkeeping coach at Liverpool a few years ago, we were very good friends. He’s taking great care of himself. He is coming back from this injury, and we hope he returns fully fit because we are counting heavily on him. We know his quality and potential, both on and off the pitch. He’s a leader with tremendous optimism and a very strong will to win.
What is the main advice you give your goalkeepers?
Alisson and Ederson are both heading into their third World Cup, so they know how demanding it is. At a World Cup you have to control your emotions, not go over the top, and keep your composure, because these matches are watched by millions and come with a huge responsibility That’s the key. They already know they have the potential.