Dec 7, 2022

Richarlison led them all — including coach Tite — in a version of his trademark “pigeon dance” in celebration of his first-half goal in Brazil‘s 4-1 dismantling of South Korea on Monday. And so far at the World Cup he has been leading opposing defenders in a merry dance as he provides Brazil’s cutting edge.

The Tottenham Hotspur striker has become a national hero, both for his performances on the field and for his charisma and compassion off it. Richarlison backs a number of social causes — anti-racism and poverty, environmental issues and others — with both his mouth and his wallet.

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For many Brazilians, Richarlison is proving a popular reference point. He is a pigeon with a message to carry. It is perhaps no surprise that the striker is enjoying the World Cup; the big occasion suits him. He has a goal poacher’s sense of opportunity, which will be needed against Croatia on Friday in a crucial quarterfinal.

Brazil were seeking to rebuild after going out of the last World Cup in the quarterfinals. Richarlison was not initially part of Tite’s post-Russia 2018 plans and was not initially included in the squad ahead of a friendly match against the United States in September 2018. But another player, centre-forward Pedro, was forced out through injury, and Richarlison received a late call-up. He came on for the last few minutes of the 2-0 win at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

A few days later he was given a start against El Salvador outside of Washington; Richarlison bashed in two goals and forced his way into contention. The chance had appeared and he had taken it.

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