For years, Neymar has been the undisputed face of the Brazilian nationwide staff, donning the legendary No. 10 jersey with distinction. Nevertheless, as Brazil embarks on its newest CONMEBOL FIFA World Cup qualifying marketing campaign, they discover themselves in a brand new period. With Neymar as soon as once more sidelined as a result of harm, the long-lasting quantity is up for grabs—and there are three sturdy candidates who might put on it: Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo, Raphinha, or one other rising star.
With Brazil set to face Colombia on March 20 and Argentina on March 25, head coach Dorival Junior has needed to make an important choice about who will inherit Neymar’s well-known quantity for these high-stakes clashes.
Brazil’s present qualifying marketing campaign has been a difficult one. After their disappointing quarter-final exit on the 2022 World Cup, the Seleção have struggled for consistency. They at present sit fifth within the CONMEBOL standings, a far cry from the dominant staff followers have come to count on.
Dorival Junior, who took cost in early 2024, has been tasked with rejuvenating the squad. Since his appointment, 15 gamers have made their senior debuts, reflecting the continued transition. Nevertheless, even with an abundance of attacking expertise, the absence of the Santos star stays an enormous void to fill.
Vinicius and Raphinha – Brazil’s new superstars?
Since profitable The Finest FIFA Males’s Participant award final yr, Vinicius has continued to determine himself as one of many world’s high forwards. Taking part in alongside Kylian Mbappe at Actual Madrid, Vinicius has already recorded 29 objective involvements this season and stays one in all La Liga’s most harmful attackers.
Nevertheless, his performances for Brazil have been inconsistent. Regardless of his electrifying membership kind, he has but to attain within the present World Cup qualifying marketing campaign and has managed simply one help in 550 minutes of motion. Vinicius is undoubtedly a famous person, however along with his struggles in a Brazil shirt, Dorival has checked out different choices.
One other sturdy contender for the No. 10 was Barcelona’s Raphinha, who has been in sensational kind for his membership. He has already registered 45 objective involvements throughout all competitions in 2024-25, making him one in all Europe’s best gamers.
His Champions League performances have been notably excellent, setting a brand new document for targets by a Brazilian in a single season (11). Whereas he has been Brazil’s high scorer underneath Dorival Junior (4 targets), it wasn’t sufficient for him to retain the No. 10 shirt this time.
The brand new No. 10: Rodrygo takes the highlight
Whereas each Vinicius and Raphinha have been worthy candidates, it was Rodrygo who was finally chosen to put on Neymar’s No. 10 jersey for the upcoming matches in opposition to Colombia and Argentina. Rodrygo has been a key determine at Actual Madrid, contributing 12 targets and eight assists this season. Regardless of hypothesis that he may lose his place following Mbappe’s arrival, he stays essential for Los Blancos.
By carrying the No. 10 jersey, Rodrygo is moving into the footwear of Brazilian greats like Pele, Zico, Ronaldinho, and Neymar. At simply 24 years previous, he already boasts two Champions League and two La Liga titles with Actual Madrid, together with 31 caps and 7 targets for Brazil.