The historic elimination of the Verdeamarela in the group stage prompted an immediate change of course
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The earthquake caused by the early elimination of Brazil in the U-20 World Cup had its first and expected consequence: Ramón Menezes's departure. The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) officially announced his dismissal just a few hours after the 0-1 defeat against Spain, which left Canarinha out in the initial phase for the first time in the history of the tournament.
"The Brazilian Football Confederation announces that Ramón Menezes is no longer the coach of the Brazilian men's U-20 national team. The decision was made after evaluating the work cycle developed to date. CBF thanks Ramón for his dedication and professionalism... We wish Ramón success in his upcoming professional challenges," the official statement reported.
Brasil despidió a Menezes
The sporting blow was doubly symbolic: Canarinha, with five titles in the category and South American champion at the beginning of the year, was eliminated without even reaching the round of 16. Its last world title had been in 2011, with players like Philippe Coutinho on the roster.
The context did not help the coach either. Menezes faced the tournament without several of the country's top prospects. Endrick and Estevão, established in Europe, were not drafted; Vitor Roque did not travel either, prioritized by Palmeiras, and Rayan, from Vasco da Gama, did not receive permission from his club.
Ramón Menezes had taken office in March 2022 and went on to serve as interim coach of the senior national team after Tite's departure and before Fernando Diniz's arrival. His cycle at the helm of the U-20 team, which had started with high expectations, ended abruptly, marked by the frustration of a World Cup that will remain as one of the toughest chapters in the recent history of Brazilian youth football.
