Brazil’s World Cup Collapse Revives Debate Over Faith and Soccer
Brazil’s disappointing World Cup has ignited an unlikely national conversation, with commentators, academics and social media users debating whether the South American country’s changing religious landscape has somehow altered the character of its soccer.
Following Brazil's elimination from the tournament in the round of 16 against Norway on July 5, a provocative argument has spread across Brazilian and international social media: Brazil’s decline as a soccer superpower mirrors its gradual shift from being overwhelmingly Catholic to increasingly Protestant, particularly evangelical.
The theory, while any lacking empirical evidence, has generated widespread discussion because it touches on broader anxieties about Brazilian identity and culture. The slogan that has become emblematic of the debate — “If we pray like a gringo, then we play like a gringo” reveals that Brazil's embrace of American-style evangelical Christianity has coincided with the loss of a uniquely Brazilian soccer culture. In fact, it was pointed out that 76% of the 26-player roster were evangelicals.
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In general, Catholic nations have been better at the men’s World Cup. Only eight nations have ever won the tournament, six of which are Catholic-majority: Brazil (five wins), Italy (four), Argentina (three), Uruguay (two) and France (two). By comparison, only one Protestant-majority nation have ever lifted the trophy: England (one). Germany, a four-time World Cup champion, is evenly split Catholic-Protestant.
The discussion accelerated in recent days after online commentators argued that the carefree personalities associated with past Brazilian stars — like Romario, Ronaldo and Ronaldinho — has been replaced by a more disciplined, individualistic ethos. Some fans have nostalgically contrasted modern players' public displays of evangelical faith with the lifestyles of these legendary figures, portraying the latter generation as more spontaneous and creatively expressive.
After being eliminated, striker Endrick told reporters: “I even kept talking to God, I thanked him for the opportunity, but it was a moment where I could have done better. I couldn’t do it, but I thank God for that opportunity. Work to make sure it doesn’t happen again.”
Pedro Rosano, a Brazilian soccer journalist, reacted to the first half of Endrick’s quote, saying he wished Brazilian players had more Catholic guilt and argued that evangelicals are too conformist.
“Players outsource everything to God and take responsibility for nothing,” he added.
Unsplash photo
Demographic change
Behind this religious and cultural argument lies a genuine demographic transformation. Brazil remains home to the world's largest Catholic population, but affiliation has steadily declined over recent decades while evangelical Protestant churches have grown rapidly. According to Brazil's 2022 census, Catholics now account for just under 57% of the population, while Protestants represent roughly 27% — a dramatic increase from just a generation ago.
Many members of Brazil's current national team openly identify as evangelical Christians, frequently praying together before games or celebrating goals with religious gestures. Such displays have become increasingly common in Brazil, which hasn’t won a World Cup since 2002 (when the country was 80% Catholic).
Supporters of the religious explanation argue that soccer reflects wider cultural values. In their view, traditional Brazilian Catholicism — with its festivals, local rituals and blending of religious and popular culture — encouraged creativity, collective identity and emotional expression. They contend that evangelicalism places greater emphasis on personal discipline, moral restraint and individual responsibility — qualities they believe translate into a more cautious style of play.
Critics of the theory respond that it mistakes correlation for causation. This decline also comes as Brazil's domestic soccer system has struggled to keep pace with developments in Europe, where investment in coaching, sports science and youth development.
At the same time, Brazil exports more pro players (mostly to European clubs) than almost any other country, with many of its brightest prospects moving overseas as teenagers. This, many argue, is the cause for such a decline, not a players’ religious beliefs.
At the time, La Selecao emerged under vastly different social, political and economic conditions. They featured players from diverse regional and religious backgrounds, making it difficult to attribute success to any single cultural characteristic.
The debate, however, resonates because the game occupies an exceptional place in Brazilian society. For much of the 20th century, the national team served as an expression of Brazilian identity itself, celebrated for combining technical brilliance with joy and improvisation. It’s what made Pele the most famous athlete in the world during the 1980s. As results have declined over the last few decades, many fans have searched for explanations extending beyond tactics or player quality.
There is no evidence showing that Brazil’s religious transition has caused its national team to decline. Nonetheless, this is something that has ignited a national debate and something that will remain a talking point until the next World Cup in four years time.
Clemente Lisi serves as executive editor at Religion Unplugged.