RIO DE JANEIRO - World Cup winner Rivaldo has called for the return of veterans Thiago Silva and Hulk to Brazil's national team amid a poor run of results.

Atletico Mineiro forward Hulk, 38, has not played for his country since 2021 while Fluminense defender Silva, 39, last represented the Selecao at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

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Rivaldo's comments came less than a day after Brazil's 1-0 loss to Paraguay in Asuncion, a result that leaves the five-time world champions fifth in the South American zone qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup.

"From what I saw in yesterday's game, if you call up Hulk, even if it's not for the World Cup, he would be a huge help in these qualifiers," said Rivaldo, who was a part of the Brazil team that won the 2002 World Cup in Japan and South Korea.

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"Thiago Silva could return to a team like this, to help us qualify more easily. They are big-name players who would be good for the present time because they can handle the pressure of these games and from the press."

Rivaldo, who won the Ballon d'Or awarded to the world's best player in 1999, urged Brazil manager Dorival Junior to act quickly to remedy the situation.

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"We have many standout players in the Brazilian league who have already played for the national team," he said.

"Apart from his input on the pitch, it would be invaluable for younger players to see how he trains and prepares," the former Barcelona star added.