With the Porto Alegre Marathon in Brazil on July 12 approaching, two-time Olympic champion Eliud Kipchoge has more than just running on his mind.
The distance running legend who is also former world marathon record holder is also closely following the 2026 Fifa World Cup, being a supporter of Brazil, a nation he has long admired for its rich footballing heritage and attacking style of play.
Kipchoge, the elite athlete set to compete in his second Continental Tour marathon, has never hidden his love for Brazilian football. An avid football fan, he has often spoken about the inspiration he draws from teams that strive for excellence.
The five-time Berlin Marathon champion hopes the Seleção continue their impressive run as he chases victory on Brazilian soil.
Kipchoge spoke to journalists from around the world during a Zoom meeting on Wednesday from Eldoret.
“Why am I rooting for Brazil? I love their playing style. They play with creativity and confidence,” he said.
He said Brazil’s ability to blend their traditional attacking style with new approaches makes the team special.
French President Emmanuel Macron (right) and marathoner Eliud Kipchoge during a morning run Nairobi on May 11, 2026.
Photo credit: Athletics Kenya
“Seeing young players step up and take on the responsibilities is inspiring, not only in football, but in sport in general.”
“Every great team needs renewal, just as in athletics. A time comes when the next generation must take over. Seeing former players such as Ronaldinho watching the young players from the terraces illustrates that transition perfectly, and that is one of the reasons I enjoy watching them,” said Kipchoge.
As he prepares to compete in the Porto Alegre Marathon, where he will also be seeking to inspire the next generation, his admiration for Brazil is clear.
The timing of the race gives his visit a special twist. While thousands of Brazilian fans will be rallying behind their national football team, they will also have the opportunity to watch one of the greatest marathon runners, in history, in action in their country.
Kipchoge won his first Olympic marathon gold medal at the 2016 Games in Rio de Janeiro. This is why Brazil is in his heart.
He later retained his title at the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan.
The former four-time London Marathon champion said he deliberately opted for a smaller race because he wants to share his passion for running with communities that rarely have the opportunity to host one of the sport’s greatest icons.
Kipchoge believes every marathon has the power to inspire people to embrace running as a healthy lifestyle and bring communities together.
“I chose to grace the Porto Alegre Marathon because I want to reach more people. Running is a universal language. It unites people regardless of their background, culture, or nationality. If we can inspire more people to run, then we can build healthier communities and bring people together.”
Eliud Kipchoge celebrates with his wife Grace Sugut after he busted the mythical two-hour barrier for the marathon during the "Ineos 1:59 Challenge: Sub-Two Marathon Attempt" on October 12, 2019 in Vienna.
Photo credit: File | AFP
Adding flavour to the event will be the participation of Kipchoge’s wife, Grace Sugut. Kipchoge said he is happy that his wife had embraced distance running. He recalled the joy of watching her complete her first marathon in Cape Town, describing it as a proud moment for his family.
“As a family, we believe running brings people together, so seeing Grace finish her first marathon was a special moment for us because it showed that, with encouragement and consistency, anything is possible,” said Kipchoge.
He is also excited that, after he ran in the Cape Town Marathon, the race was elevated to become part of the Abbott World Marathon Majors, joining the other seven marathons in the series: the Tokyo, Boston, London, Sydney, Berlin, Chicago and New York marathons.
