Former Brazil striker Bebeto has shown strong support for young star Endrick to repeat one of football's most famous celebrations at the FIFA World Cup 2026. He sees a clear connection between Brazil's success in 1994 and the hopes for the next generation.
Thirty years after his well-known "baby-rocking" gesture shone at the 1994 FIFA World Cup in the USA, Bebeto wants Endrick to pull off the same moment in North America this summer. This wish comes as the young forward is about to become a father.
Bebeto, who helped Brazil win their fourth world title, feels the emotional link between him and Endrick adds more significance to the gesture that became one of football's most recognizable celebrations.
"I’ll be backing him all the way," said Bebeto in an interview with FIFA published on Friday, June 5, 2026.
Bebeto went on to say, "He’s destined for greatness. I’m hoping he comes good and gets his goal. And if he does, he should pay tribute to his baby boy and wife. After all, family is everything."
Bebeto was part of Brazil's famous attack alongside Romário and Mazinho. He first did the celebration after scoring against the Netherlands in the 1994 quarter-finals. This was just days after his son Mattheus was born.
The image of Bebeto cradling an imaginary baby became a highlight of that tournament and is still one of the most replayed scenes in World Cup history.
He added, "Mattheus was the only one of my children whose birth I missed. I didn’t say a word to anyone about what I’d planned. It was a gift from God. I asked God to give me the chance to score a goal for my son. And that’s exactly what happened."
The celebration took on even more meaning for Bebeto when his son saw it years later. "Mattheus was about five years old when he first saw that celebration. We were arriving back in Brazil after a trip, and the goal was being shown on TV in the duty-free shop. He stood there watching it all unfold and smiled. That’s when I realised that he knew it was meant for him. It brought me to tears," he said.
Today, Bebeto sees a reflection of his own story in Endrick, a 19-year-old forward who came up through Palmeiras. He has now joined Real Madrid and is seen as one of Brazil’s top attacking talents.
Endrick has already earned 15 international caps and scored three goals for Brazil. He is expected to play a big part under national team manager Carlo Ancelotti as Brazil aims for a sixth World Cup title.
"He’s a special talent. We met fairly recently in the United States. He came over to speak to me, and I took the chance to give him some advice. I’ll be cheering him on and wanting him to give it his all because he’s got real character and doesn’t let things get to him. Ancelotti knows that Endrick will be absolutely vital too," the Brazilian legend said.
Endrick's personal situation is also similar to Bebeto’s 1994 experience. He and his wife Gabriely Miranda are set to welcome their first child later this year.
Bebeto reflected on Mattheus, who is now a professional footballer with Tampa Bay Rowdies. He noted how the celebration’s meaning grew over time. "Mattheus was about five years old when he first saw that celebration. We were arriving back in Brazil after a trip, and the goal was being shown on TV in the duty-free shop. He stood there watching it all unfold and smiled. That’s when I realised that he knew it was meant for him. It brought me to tears."
Brazil kicks off their FIFA World Cup 2026 journey on June 14 against Morocco in Group C. They will also face Haiti and Scotland, with high hopes that Endrick can help secure a sixth world title and perhaps create a new iconic celebration.
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