On the eve of Brazil's quarter final match against Colombia, Nike release a stirring video featuring David Luiz's father explaining just what it means to represent the Selecao.
Ladislau Marinho was a footballer who had a dream of playing for Brazil. As a professional for the local club he was making his own way in the game when the financial constraints, and a young family, forced him to give up and Marinho never realised that dream. But his son did.
“Playing for Brasil is every child’s dream. As a father to see your son play for the national team, well, that’s my dream come true,” said Ladislau Marinho, father to Brazilian superstar David Luiz. “To be a Brazilian citizen and a football fan is already something difficult to explain, to be patriotic, dressed in green and yellow. This is the moment when everyone is united, people forget about the rivalries, and are together for the same reason.”
As explained in the video by Martin Lotti, Creative Director Nike Football, this passion is mirrored in the process of designing the Brazil shirt. “Having the opportunity to design this kit was a truly humbling experience. The players and fans believe that this kit is as important as the national flag and I truly believe when you play against Brazil, you don’t play against eleven, you play against the 200 million people that support the team. We try to honor and respect that.”
