Arthur, the top scorer of the Copa America, reigning champion, and successor to Falcão’s iconic number 12 jersey, is currently in excellent form wearing the Yellow Jersey and eagerly anticipating his second Futsal World Cup. As one of Marquinhos Xavier’s trusted players, he has been an integral part of the entire preparatory cycle. Arthur boasts an impressive record with 17 official titles, including the Futsal Nations Cup 2023, UEFA Futsal Champions League 2019/20, Copa America Futsal 2017 and 2024, Futsal League Cup 2022/23, Futsal Portugal Cup 2022/23, Futsal Brazilian Championship 2016, Futsal Brazil Supercup 2018, Futsal I Division 2018/19, Futsal Spain Cup 2019 and 2020, Futsal King’s Cup 2018/19 and 2019/20, and Futsal Spain Supercup 2019. Additionally, he has secured two Futsal Paulista League titles in 2016 and 2017 and one Futsal Catalonia Cup in 2018.
Last month, Arthur crowned his exceptional moment with the national team by becoming the top scorer of the Copa America. Wearing the number 12 jersey, he scored four goals in the campaign that restored continental dominance to Brazil and secured a spot in the World Cup. The winger views this title against their arch-rival, Argentina, as another significant step in regaining Canarinha’s confidence. In an exclusive interview with oGol, Arthur reflected on the process, stating, “After a World Cup, it’s always a new journey. We had several friendlies, Futsal Nations Cup – everything is part of a rebuilding process. But we knew that winning the Copa America was crucial and would elevate our confidence to a new level.“
Approaching his second World Cup in his career, Arthur emphasizes his maturity after three years since the competition in Lithuania.
As Benfica’s number 10, the winger has participated in 147 matches and scored 82 goals for the Eagles during this period. For the national team, he has played 23 games and scored 16 goals. Arthur reveals that the time between the World Cups was crucial for his technical and psychological preparation. “My primary evolution for this World Cup is in the mental aspect. In the first opportunity, it was a very new experience for me; I felt the need to evolve my playing style, my attitude as an athlete, and learn to control my anxiety. Today, I feel much more prepared and mature to control my emotions and better understand game situations,” he assessed.
After facing two eliminations against Argentina in the 2021 World Cup and the subsequent year’s Copa America, Arthur believes that the national team is better prepared for 2024. The winger highlights the unity of the player group under Marquinhos Xavier’s leadership, emphasizing the collective goal. “Our environment is excellent, very healthy; everyone is willing to sacrifice their individual game played at clubs for the national team. Some players enter for two or three minutes and understand their importance, giving their best. In the Copa America, we had the example of Roncaglio, who came off the bench to save a penalty against Argentina. This demonstrates how everyone is connected and united for the same goal,” emphasized the winger.
