Kolkata : Brazilian and legendary head coach Carlo Ancelotti has named several new faces in his latest Brazilian squad, but fans in India won’t be robbed of the chance to see superstars in action as the Brazil manager has included the likes of Vinicius Jr, Raphinha, Marquinhos, Gabriel Magalhaes, Endrick, Estevao Willian and Joao Pedro for the upcoming friendlies.
Three of the players – Vinicius (Real Madrid), Marquinhos (PSG) and Gabriel (Arsenal) – are on the 2026 Ballon d’Or shortlist.
Real Madrid forward Vinicius is the biggest name of them all, having been nominated for the fifth time for football’s most prestigious individual prize. He also won FIFA’s The Best award in 2024, while center-back Marquinhos was Brazil’s captain at the last World Cup and PSG’s captain during their back-to-back UEFA Champions League titles. Vinicius previously played in India against India U17 at Goa in 2016 U17 World Cup, where Brazil defeated India 3-1. Vinicius scored the goal for Brazil in 82nd minute in that game. He’s set for his India return after 10 years, this time at Senior level.
The biggest attraction for Indian football fans will undoubtedly be the arrival of Vinicius Jr and Raphinha. Two of the most recognisable stars in world football today, the Real Madrid and Barcelona forwards are expected to headline Brazil’s visit to India.
Joao Pedro, the Chelsea forward who has begun the season in fine form, has earned a recall. This is one to keep an eye on as the Selecao have struggled with a No. 9 for well over the last decade.
Endrick, Andrey Santos, Marquinhos, Gabriel, Bruno Guimaraes and Estevao are among the other big names included in the squad by coach Carlo Ancelotti.
Goalkeeping duo Alisson and Ederson are not included.
Veteran midfielder Casemiro, one of the most decorated midfielders of his generation, has also not been picked for the friendly.
Ancelotti has also injected some young blood into the defensive unit, with Jair Cunha and Vitor Reis earning call-ups. The Nottingham Forest and Manchester City youngsters are among the fresh faces in the squad as Brazil continue to build towards the future.
After a disappointing FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign where Brazil were knocked out in the pre-quarterfinals by Norway, Ancelotti is now trying to build a new squad. The three friendlies during the Sept 21 to Oct 6 FIFA international window gives the Italian a chance to start afresh.
Brazil will face fellow World Cuppers Australia on Sept 26 and Sept 29, and then travel to India for a historic friendly against India in Kolkata on Oct 3.
Indian football fans, however, will miss seeing Neymar in action for the second time as the iconic Footballer has announced retirement from international Football, ending as Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with 80 goals, following his team’s World Cup exit against Norway in the round of 16.During his time with Al Hilal, the Saudi Arabia giants were drawn to face Mumbai City in the AFC Champions League, but the Brazilian star picked up an unfortunate injury and could not make the trip to Mumbai.
“With these three friendlies, we will start a new cycle to prepare the Selecao for the objectives of the coming years, namely the 2028 Copa America and the 2030 World Cup,” Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti had said.
The Indian team will also face Panama and two-time world champions Uruguay in a high-profile friendly series.
This is be the first time that India and Brazil senior men’s team clash would against each other at International level after past history at Women’s and Junior level matches.
India are currently ranked 138th while 5 times World Champion Brazil sit 5th in FIFA Ranking.
Brazil Squad –
Goalkeepers: Hugo Souza (Corinthians), Pedro Morisco (Cortiba), Otavio (Cruzerio)
Defenders: Arthur Dias (Athletico Paranaense), Douglas Santos (Zenit Saint Petersburg), Gabriel Magalhães (Arsenal), Jair Cunha (Nottingham Forest), Marquinhos (PSG), Matheuzinho (Corinthians), Mauro Jr (PSV Eindhoven), Vitor Reis (Manchester City), Wesley (AS Roma)
Midfielders: Andrey Santos (Manchester United), Breno Bidon (Corinthians), Bruno Guimaraes (Arsenal), Danilo (Botafogo), Douglas Luiz (Juventus), Gabriel Bontempo (Santos)
Forwards: Endrick (Real Madrid), Estêvão Willian (Chelsea), Joao Pedro (Chelsea), Pedro (Flamengo), Raphinha (Barcelona), Rayan (Bournemouth), Samuel Lino (Flamengo), Vinicius Jr (Real Madrid).
