Luiz Henrique visualises World Cup final goal every day, vows to make Brazil champion
Synopsis
Brazil's Luiz Henrique isn't just dreaming of a World Cup winner's medal — he's scripted the exact moment. The 25-year-old Zenit forward says he visualises scoring the final goal every single day, a ritual fuelled by Carlo Ancelotti's freedom-first coaching philosophy. With Brazil opening against Morocco, that mirror-talk ambition is about to meet reality.
Key Takeaways
Luiz Henrique , 25 , says he visualises scoring the World Cup final goal every day as part of his mental preparation.
The Zenit Saint Petersburg forward has featured in 5 of 6 Brazil squads since Carlo Ancelotti 's appointment in May 2025 .
Ancelotti's coaching style — encouraging freedom, expression, and self-belief — has been credited by Henrique for his growing confidence.
Brazil open their World Cup campaign against Morocco on Saturday in Group C , also featuring Haiti and Scotland .
Brazil last won the World Cup in 2002 ; a sixth title remains the nation's defining football ambition.
Brazil forward Luiz Henrique has revealed that he stands in front of the mirror daily, telling himself he will score the decisive goal that delivers a sixth FIFA World Cup title for Brazil. The 25-year-old Zenit Saint Petersburg attacker made the declaration in Rio de Janeiro on 10 June, ahead of Brazil's tournament opener, in an interview with Globo Esporte.
The Visualisation Ritual
'I don't know who the opponent will be, but I know how my goal in the final will happen. I've been visualising it every day,' Henrique told Globo Esporte. 'When the moment comes I'll be prepared and focused to score that goal and help Brazil become champion.'
The forward described the mental exercise as a core part of his preparation for the tournament — a technique increasingly common among elite athletes to sharpen focus and build match-day confidence.
Ancelotti's Influence on the Squad
Henrique has become a reliable presence in the Brazil setup under head coach Carlo Ancelotti, featuring in five of six squads since the Italian's appointment in May 2025. He credited Ancelotti's man-management style for creating an environment of freedom and expression within the camp.
'Everyone around us with the national team tries to make us as relaxed and comfortable as possible before we step onto the field. Ancelotti says: 'Get the ball, take players on, help defend as well, be yourself, be happy,'' Henrique said.
He added that encouragement from senior players had been equally important. 'When experienced national team players come up to you and tell you to attack defenders, be yourself, dribble and shoot, you go into games feeling more relaxed and free. That's important for players like us who are just arriving in the national team, having that confidence from the others.'
The Team Atmosphere
Henrique described pulling on the Brazil shirt as a deeply personal experience. 'Whenever I join the national team, I put on that shirt and feel like I'm with my friends, like I'm playing with my buddies. That's why every time I step onto the field I want to do it with a light heart and a smile, to bring joy to our Brazilian fans,' he said.
Notably, while Henrique has not been guaranteed a starting berth under Ancelotti, his consistent inclusion across squads signals that the former Real Madrid boss rates him highly as an attacking option.
Brazil's World Cup Group C Campaign
Brazil open their World Cup campaign against Morocco on Saturday, before facing Haiti and Scotland in Group C. A nation that has not lifted the trophy since 2002 will be watching closely to see whether Henrique's visualised final moment can one day become reality.
Point of View
But the real story sits one layer deeper: Ancelotti has quietly rebuilt Brazil's dressing-room culture after years of tactical rigidity and internal discord. A player arriving at a major tournament talking about joy, freedom, and smiling on the pitch — not just tactics and pressure — reflects a coaching philosophy shift that could matter as much as any formation. Whether Henrique starts or not, his confidence is a barometer of how differently this Brazil squad feels from its recent predecessors. The acid test comes fast: Morocco in Group C is no gentle opener.
NationPress
6 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Luiz Henrique say about the World Cup final?
Luiz Henrique said he visualises scoring the decisive goal in the World Cup final every day as part of his mental preparation. He told Globo Esporte: 'I don't know who the opponent will be, but I know how my goal in the final will happen.'
Which club does Luiz Henrique play for?
Luiz Henrique plays for Zenit Saint Petersburg. The 25-year-old Brazilian forward has been a regular in the national squad since Carlo Ancelotti took charge in May 2025.
How has Carlo Ancelotti influenced the Brazil squad?
Carlo Ancelotti has encouraged players to express themselves freely on the pitch, telling them to 'get the ball, take players on, be yourself, be happy.' Henrique credited this approach for helping younger squad members feel relaxed and confident before matches.
Who does Brazil play in the World Cup group stage?
Brazil face Morocco, Haiti, and Scotland in Group C. Their opening match is against Morocco on Saturday.
When did Carlo Ancelotti become Brazil's head coach?
Carlo Ancelotti was appointed Brazil head coach in May 2025. Since then, Luiz Henrique has been included in five of the six squads named under his management.
