Cafu’s message to India ahead of friendly Brazil: Take it as a learning experience
India’s upcoming clash with Brazil could be much more than a spectacular football spectacle, according to Brazilian legend Cafu. The 2002 World Cup-winning captain believes the Blue Tigers can learn valuable lessons from their clash with the five-time world champions, provided they look beyond the occasion itself.
Brazil take on India at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata on October 3, with Carlo Ancelotti’s side arriving for one of the biggest friendlies in Indian football. During his visit to India, Cafu said the match should be seen as a learning experience and an opportunity to exchange knowledge with the Brazilian players.
“India will indeed play the biggest match in the history of their national team against the Brazilian national team, the five-time world champions,” Cafu said.
“This match will provide a lot of learning, a lot of lessons. India can gain a lot from this by exchanging knowledge, ideas, exchanging experiences with the Brazilian players.”
However, this match was not without controversy in India. While there was considerable excitement over Brazil’s arrival, former India captain Bhaichung Bhutia called for fans to boycott the match amid his criticism of the governance of Indian football.
For Cafu, the bigger question is what India will do with the experience after the final whistle. He believes the match against Brazil can have lasting value if it becomes part of a bigger plan and not seen as an achievement in itself.
BRAZIL CLASH SHOULD BE THE STARTING POINT
Cafu wants India to use the Brazil game as preparation for the next phase of their development, especially with the 2030 World Cup cycle.
“The Indian national team should look at this match as a learning experience.”
“The 2030 World Cup is coming up… and this will be a great preparation for the Indian team, playing against an internationally recognized team, five-time world champions like Brazil, who are the real benchmark.”
That makes the Oct. 3 game significant beyond the names on the team sheet. India will get a chance to compete against players operating at the highest level, but Cafu’s message is that the lessons from the experience must go beyond Kolkata.
CRITICISM AROUND INDIA VS. BRAZIL
The Brazil friendly has divided opinion in Indian football circles. For many, it is a rare chance for the national team to face elite opposition, while criticism surrounding the match has focused on the wider questions facing Indian football and whether such a marquee match fits with the sport’s current priorities.
Cafu, meanwhile, focused on the opportunity available to the players. He also believes the occasion will have special significance in Kolkata, given the city’s long-standing affection for Brazilian football.
“Not only excited, but over the moon they will feel honored to have a full Brazilian team here in Calcutta, here in India.”
“Indians love Brazilian football, they love Brazilian players. I feel it here myself, warmth, love, joy, respect.”
Kolkata’s connection with Brazil dates back to Pele’s famous visit in 1977, when the Brazilian great played an exhibition match for the New York Cosmos.
“Pel’s relationship with Calcutta is something impressive.”
“Pel is a point of reference. The fact that Pele came here to Kolkata to show Indians real Brazilian football is something that fills us with great pride.”
For India, the Brazil game will undoubtedly be a landmark. But Cafu’s message is that his true significance will be determined by what the Blue Tigers learn from him and how they use those lessons long after Brazil leave Kolkata.
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Published on:
09 Sep 2026 12:52 IST