Author: Vishwajit Sawant
At a crucial moment for Brazilian soccer, coach Fernando Diniz revealed his first call-up to the national team at the headquarters of the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) in Rio de Janeiro. Remember that in the first round of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, Brazil will host Venezuela (September 8, 21:45, Mangueirão) and then travel to Peru to play on September 12, at 23:00 (Brazilian time).
The announcement was accompanied by palpable enthusiasm, as Diniz presented a diverse mix of talent, including rising stars from the Brazilian leagues and the international stage. The call-up reinforced Diniz’s commitment to putting together a formidable team, full of potential and experience.
Note that of the 24 players invited, 10 play in the English Premier League. The Brazilian Championship is represented by just four players: Nino and André from Fluminense, Bento from Atlético-PR and Rafael Veiga from Palmeiras.
Another four players (all defenders) play in Ligue 1. Two players were delegated from the Spanish First Division (Rodrigo and Vini Jr. from Real Madrid) and two players from the Saudi Arabian League (Neymar “Al-Hilala”, Ibanez “Al-Ahly”). Italian Serie A is represented by Juventus defender Danilo.
Alongside Diniz during the announcement were the main members of his coaching staff – assistant Eduardo Barros and dedicated fitness coaches Marcos Seixas and Wagner Bertelli. The united front projected a sense of meticulous preparation, underlining the depth of strategic planning undertaken to propel the team towards success.
This combination of talent and passion underscored Diniz’s vision for the team, which combines the vibrancy of local leagues with the international prominence of Brazilian soccer icons. With challenges against Bolivia and Peru imminent, this new chapter in Brazilian soccer is set to be nothing short of enthralling. The spotlight is now on the strategic acumen of coach Diniz, who is leading this promising team into the international arena, where glory and pride await.
Check the guest list:
Goalkeepers: Alisson (Liverpool), Bento (Athletico) and Ederson (Manchester City)
Defenders: Danilo (Juventus), Vanderson (Monaco), Caio Henrique (Monaco) and Renan Lodi (Marseille)
Defenders: Ibañez (Al-Ahli), Gabriel Magalhães (Arsenal), Marquinhos (PSG) and Nino (Fluminense)
Midfielders: André (Fluminense), Bruno Guimarães (Newcastle), Casemiro (Manchester United), Joelinton (Newcastle) and Raphael Veiga (Palmeiras)
Strikers: Antony (Manchester United), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal), Matheus Cunha (Wolverhampton), Neymar (Al-Hilal), Richarlison (Tottenham), Rodrygo (Real Madrid) and Vini Jr (Real Madrid)
About Neymar
– We talked. He wants to work together and is ready to rethink his time with the national team. I think he’s one of the most talented players in the world. I think Neymar deserves to write the best chapter in this story, which I don’t think has been written yet.”
On the call-up of André and Nino from Fluminense, the club he trains for
– That’s a reason for us to be happy. André has always been called up since the end of the World Cup, while Nino was deservedly called up by Ramon (but missed the friendlies against Guinea and Morocco through injury) and has been playing at an excellent level this season. He was deservedly called up.
Coach Diniz, at the age of 49, is steering the ship as interim leader of the Brazilian men’s national team, an opportunity that carries significant weight in a nation passionate about soccer. His mandate is scheduled to last until mid-2024, coinciding with the long-awaited arrival of Carlo Ancelotti, the current Real Madrid manager. Ancelotti is expected to take over before the Copa America, marking a new era in Brazilian soccer leadership.