Former Brazil international Denilson knows what it is like to wear the famous yellow shirt of Brazil on the biggest stage. The Sao Paulo born winger represented his country on 27 occasions at FIFA tournaments, winning the 2002 FIFA World Cup tournament in Japan and South Korea and the 1997 FIFA Confederations Cup in Saudi Arabia, where he was awarded the Golden Ball. He also finished runner up at the 1998 FIFA World Cup in France.
The start of his international career took place in Qatar though, where he was part of the Brazil team at the 1995 FIFA World Youth Championships (now called the FIFA Under-20 World Cup). So when he visited the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC) booth at Bayt Qatar in Rio de Janeiro this week, it was also a return to the start of his playing days.
“I have been very pleased to learn more about the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar and have had a fantastic reception here at Bayt Qatar in Rio de Janeiro,” Denilson told www.sc.qa. “I was very surprised by the whole setup they have here in Brazil, where we are living a very important moment with the Olympic Games. There is a great deal of anticipation here to find out what the World Cup in Qatar will be like. That’s why it was important to come here and showcase to Brazilians that the 2022 World Cup will enter into the history books.”
Denilson, at one time the most expensive player in the world when he signed for Spanish side Real Betis in 1998, said Qatar are well prepared to host the world’s greatest competition.
“I played in two World Cup finals, first France and then South Korea and Japan. I would love to be in Qatar in 2022 and see the football in those marvellous stadiums. With six stadiums already under construction and two more on the way, I have to congratulate SC for the work that has already been done. I am looking forward to a spectacular World Cup in Qatar.”  
After learning about the most important SC legacy projects including Challenge 22 and Generation Amazing, Denilson concluded by saying that their Qatar’s donation of modular seating to developing countries in the region would also leave an important impact on world football.
“The social work being done by Qatar is very important, and the Supreme Committee is setting an example as to how a World Cup can be planned keeping in mind the development of the children of the region. The gesture of donating modular seats to developing nations exemplifies the good work being done in Qatar to leave a lasting legacy.”
With Brazil’s national team the focus of Olympic attention as they try to win their elusive gold medal in men’s football, Denilson said the team is ready to deliver: “Brazil have a good side with Neymar providing the undoubted quality. We will be hoping to go all the way.”