Marquinhos embraces pressure and expectations for Brazil
The PSG defender is one of the most stable, certified defenders in the world tasked with bringing glory back to Brazil.
LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 15: Marquinhos of Brazil reacts during the International Friendly between Brazil and Senegal at Emirates Stadium on November 15, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images) | Getty Images Seleção’s Leader Brazil is the team with arguably the most pressure of any this summer with captain Marquinhos tasked with leading his country after recent disappointments. If Brazil are to lift the trophy for the first time since 2002, it will be because Marquinhos was able to lead a team of world stars to the finish line.
It’s very easy to say that as goes Marquinhos, so goes Brazil. Marquinhos is a center back and the captain for both Paris Saint-Germain and Brazil. He’s the oldest and longest serving player for PSG, and finally won the Champions League last year.
For Brazil, he’s won an Olympic gold medal and Copa América, but the World Cup has eluded them for 24 years. He is tasked with leading this team to reclaim the trophy and earn a sixth star. Poised in Defense Marquinhos has become one of the best center backs in the world, who is normally very disciplined in the back line.
He doesn’t dive into tackles, but can play physical while remaining composed under pressure. He can also get the attack started with crisp passing and through balls to move the attack forward quickly. But, his main job is serving as the quarterback of the defense.