Ailton Goncalves da Silva, affectionately referred to as ‘Ailton’ in the football arena, has secured his legacy in Bundesliga history and made a significant mark at Werder Bremen. He ranks as the sixth-highest-scoring foreign player in Germany’s top flight. His name became legendary during the 2003/04 season when he spearheaded Werder Bremen to the Bundesliga title while finishing as the league’s top scorer.
The World Cup Favourites and Neymar’s Dilemma
Let’s kick things off with the World Cup — who do you see as the frontrunners?
“I would definitely consider France, Argentina, and England to be strong contenders. Then there’s Germany and Brazil, both of which carry a deep tradition and prestige, but Spain is also a formidable opponent. Anything can happen during a World Cup.
“Right now, Germany is performing well, but their form could shift quickly. Brazil, on the other hand, has been unpredictably inconsistent, with many players struggling for confidence. Despite having a well-respected coach in Ancelotti, it ultimately comes down to the players, and I’m not seeing that level of assurance from them as they approach the World Cup.
“At the moment, they aren’t demonstrating exceptional football. As for Latin America, I’d say Argentina and Brazil, while in Europe, my picks would be France, Spain, and potentially Germany.”
Would you recommend Ancelotti to include Neymar in his squad?
“To be competitive at a World Cup, players must be at their peak both physically and mentally, as it’s an incredibly challenging tournament. Though I’ve never participated in a World Cup myself, it’s clear to me how tough it can be.
“Neymar undeniably possesses immense talent, but he needs to adapt his style of play; he’s not the same Neymar as before, and his fitness levels have changed. Still, he has the ability to turn a game around with a single play. If I were in charge, I’d ensure he was on my World Cup roster.”
Which individual players do you think will shine during the World Cup?
“France has standout players who can make a significant impact, such as (Kylian) Mbappe and (Michael) Olise from Bayern. They’re both exceptional talents.”
Bayern Munich’s Dominance in the Bundesliga
Given your vast experience in the Bundesliga, what are your thoughts on Bayern Munich, the reigning champions?
“Talking about Bayern is straightforward; they’re the leading team with the finest players, and their attacking display this season is impressive. They have a wealth of talent capable of changing the game, which is typical of Bayern being in such great form.”
As a winger, do you think Luis Diaz ranks among the world’s top five?
“Absolutely, he has made tremendous progress and adapted superbly to the system. For a South American player, transitioning can be a challenge due to language, mentality, and living in a different culture. However, having played for Liverpool helped him integrate smoothly into the European game.
“He is excelling and, in my opinion, is one of the best forward players in Europe, forging a strong connection with Harry Kane. This is why Bayern possess a formidable attacking lineup, making them strong contenders in the Champions League.”
Reflecting on your playing days, how much has the Bundesliga evolved?
“The league has transformed significantly. During my era, there were players exuding far more quality and influence in the game. Back in 2004, when we became champions, the point gap between Bayern and us was only six.
“Now, if we exclude Bayern and Dortmund, the remaining teams are struggling. This indicates a notable drop in the Bundesliga’s competitiveness. We had clubs previously contending for the Europa League and Champions League, but now they are battling relegation. Bayern’s dominance has been unbroken for over a decade.”
Why has this decline occurred?
“The landscape of football has shifted immensely. Today, players come with skyrocketing transfer fees, and clubs without the financial muscle cannot attract top talent.
“Referring to Germany, clubs like Werder Bremen and others who might typically vie for top ranks have recruited players needing much more scrutiny. Certain signings have been relegated to the bench while others remain unsold.
“This isn’t just about Bremen, but many clubs face similar struggles. When teams like Bayern have strong economic power, they can seamlessly replace ineffective players. From my perspective, quality players have not been brought in to challenge for the top titles.”
The Return of the Top-Scorer Trophy and Plans for the Future
You recently got your hands back on your 2003/04 Bundesliga top-scorer trophy — how did that come about?
“A manager possessed my trophy and had the audacity to demand a hefty sum for it. I refused, asserting he wasn’t my agent then, thus I owed him nothing.
“Subsequently, he took my belongings while I was in Mexico around 2006 during my time with Hamburg. I told him to move my items from Hamburg to Bremen, but he ended up taking my trophies to his home in Cologne. After Turkey, I moved to Serbia with a German contact, where the dispute erupted.
“Ultimately, I had to pay a legal fee, but I also proposed to him, ‘Look, I’ll throw in a little extra to settle this. If we leave it to go through courts, I’m confident I’ll win. I don’t want to sell, and I owe you nothing.’
“Unfortunately, this is a situation many players find themselves in — tangled with unscrupulous individuals. At the time, my only focus was on playing, trusting the wrong people.”
How does your current life look?
“I currently reside in Germany, enjoying a peaceful life. As an ambassador for Werder Bremen, I participate in various events; for instance, I have two engagements lined up this evening. My aim is to expose my children to European culture, and ultimately, I’d like to return to Brazil, to my home village, where I can enjoy my ranch and horses. I’m nearing my 53rd year, and in the next couple of years, I hope to make that move.”
Is there a point when you feel you’ve accomplished enough and can simply relax?
“As a father of five, family is a massive commitment. It’s a heavy responsibility, and I often think about how my kids will always need their dad.
“My youngest, Ailton and Estela, are 18 now, while the oldest are already settled in their careers. The responsibilities associated with family often shift one’s plans. My aim is to return to Brazil in two to three years when my kids have fully embarked on their own paths and I can finally enjoy some well-deserved relaxation.”
Do you stay in touch with Claudio Pizarro?
“Yes, I keep in regular contact with Claudio. He’s now taken on an ambassadorial role at Bayern Munich and is involved in numerous events. The last time we linked up was at a football gathering in Bremen. When we find the opportunity, we have a coffee together, although our communication was more frequent in the past compared to now.”
Compiled by SportArena.au
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