Ruy Castro is a master storyteller. A chronicler of forgotten lives and times, Castro, 66, is best known for his passionate and moving biography of Brazilian football legend Garrincha, which created quite a storm. Equally at home in football, music and history, Castro has also penned lyrical prose on bossa nova, Carmen Miranda and Rio de Janeiro, the city where he lives and loves to write about. One of the most widely read Brazilian authors and columnists, Castro tells Shobhan Saxena why ordinary Brazilians do not care much for today’s football stars
A lot of people around the globe believe that nothing defines Brazilians more than football. Is that true?
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Frankly, I never heard this assumption. It might be true some decades ago, but it’s not anymore. Brazilians may be defined by their love of Carnival, rich food or going to the beach as much as of football.
In a country with a short history and not too many national heroes, what role do the football stars play in terms of national identity and pride?
In the past, Pelé, Garrincha, Tostão, Zico, Sócrates, Romário and a few others could really be taken as national heroes. Brazilian great players played here at home and were strongly identified with their clubs. Not anymore. As soon as a great young player appears, he goes to Europe. Neymar played for Santos as long as they managed to keep him here, but eventually he also had to go. So, we’re short of national heroes. Brazilians live much more in awe of their football clubs, chiefly Flamengo, which has around 40 million supporters across the country, including myself.
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Who is bigger hero for ordinary Brazilians— Pele or Garrincha?
Pelé is admired by people, but not loved. Garrincha was definitely loved. Pelé was— and is— rich; Garrincha was alcoholic and poor. Brazilians tend to root for the underdog.
How do you think the Brazilians view this World Cup?
I believe that, despite all problems of infrastructure, this will be a great World Cup. Brazilians will enchant the world.
Will Brazil be lucky again to win the World Cup?
It is not probable, but it’s perfectly possible.
