Exclusive interview - Adailton: Seleçao lost its identity, Bolasie is doing very well in Brazil

Originally from Brazil, Adailton Pereira Dos Santos was naturalized as a Tunisian at the beginning of the current century. He donned the jersey of the Carthage Eagles twice.

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Unfortunately for him, he did not have the same success as his two compatriots Clayton and Francileudo dos Santos Silva Lima who led the Tunisian national team to victory in the African Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Ady, as he is affectionately called, had two successful stints in Africa with Espérance de Tunis and Al Ahly Tripoli, respectively. Subsequently, he moved to the old continent and played for five years in Finland.

Trained in Brazil, he wore the jerseys of several renowned clubs such as Santos and Esporte Clube Bahia.

Contacted by Foot Africa, Adailton Pereira Dos Santos kindly answered the editorial team's questions.

What are you doing currently after the end of your career?

I currently work in a player agency... I am now working as a player agent.

What were the highlights of your career?

I had very good times with Pelé's Santos during the 1998-1999 season. My time with Espérance de Tunis was exceptional, just like my adventure in Saudi Arabia with Al Qadisiyah.

Why was your tenure with the Tunisian national team not as successful as those of your compatriots Santos and Clayton?

Unfortunately, at that time I had personal and family problems that affected me greatly... I had several offers from European clubs and eventually moved to Finland. From there, it was impossible for me to return to the Tunisian team, especially since at that time, it had several quality players.

What is your opinion on some African teams resorting to naturalization?

I think it's a very good thing for African teams that could benefit from the services of players who have no chance of joining their country's national teams, as was the case for the two Brazilians Clayton and Santos who helped Tunisia win AFCON 2024.

Do you still follow Espérance de Tunis? What memories do you have from your time in Tunisia?

Of course, I still watch Espérance matches, I had very good times wearing the jersey of this great club. I really miss Tunisia and my former teammates.

The blood and gold club will soon compete in the Club World Cup... Can it surprise Flamengo in the group stage?

I think the current team has the necessary assets to leave a very good impression in the Club World Cup. Now, speaking about the match against Flamengo, I hope they will succeed in delivering a great performance against my beloved club. It's important for the players to free themselves from pressure and play to their true potential...

Why is the Brazilian national team no longer competitive on the international stage, as evidenced by its recent defeat to Argentina?

The Seleçao of today is not like the one of the past... Unfortunately, players are too pampered by the media and social networks. In the past, the national team played with a lot of love for the country and passion, today players are only interested in their brand image, it's sad to say but it's the truth.

Can the current generation win the 2026 World Cup?

We can indeed win a World Cup with the current players. But they should show more belonging and determination. Brazilian talent is still there, but the players' mindset must change to aspire to reclaim the World Cup glory.

What do you think of Neymar's return to Santos?

He returned at the right time to the club that launched him into the football world. Unfortunately, he got injured again, even though he was showing very good football. As a Brazilian, I hope he comes back very strong and helps our national team regain its former glory.

Why has Vinicius Jr's performance dropped this season? There is much talk about his potential move to Saudi Arabia, if this happens can we say he will waste his career?

I think Vinicius Jr needs to focus on the field, leave the provocations aside and play. Vinicius Júnior needs to start playing again as he did before to become the best player in the world. As for his potential departure to Saudi Arabia, I don't think it will affect his career, he will simply play the good football he knows how to play.

Is Endrick of the same caliber as Rivaldo, Romario, Ronaldo? And why is he taking time to confirm his huge potential with Real Madrid?

Endrick will not be a player like Rivaldo, Romário, or Ronaldo... he's a very good player but he needs to play to prove his football skills. We have other good players like Estevão from Palmeiras who will certainly soon be the big attraction in world football.

How do you judge Bolasie's stint with Cruzeiro?

He's a very good player, he had a great championship last year with Criciúma and is doing very well with Cruzeiro this year.

Imed Ben Amara |

Editorar, fr

Imed Ben Amara - bilingual sports writer and web editor with experience in football content creation. Since 2021, he has contributed to Foot Africa, providing news coverage and analysis.