Brazil forward Raphinha has taken over the iconic No. 10 shirt previously worn by Neymar as the national team begins a new cycle following the 2026 World Cup.
The Brazilian Football Confederation has assigned the Barcelona forward the number for the team’s upcoming international friendlies against Australia and India.
Raphinha wore No. 11 during Brazil’s 2026 World Cup campaign, while Neymar retained the No. 10 shirt.
The latest squad-number list, however, places Raphinha at No. 10, while young forward Estêvão moves into the No. 11 shirt.
Neymar had been closely associated with Brazil’s No. 10 shirt and wore it during the country’s last four World Cup appearances.
New cycle under Ancelotti
The change comes as Brazil begins preparations for the next phase of the national team under head coach Carlo Ancelotti.
The upcoming matches against Australia and India are being used to assess players and begin building towards future competitions, including the 2028 Copa América and 2030 World Cup.
The match against Australia in Townsville is scheduled to be Brazil’s first fixture since the 2026 World Cup.
Raphinha’s form
The 29-year-old Raphinha enters the international break after a strong start to the season with Barcelona.
He has also been used in a more central attacking role at club level and has recorded 14 goals and three assists this season, according to CNN Brasil.
His move to the No. 10 shirt gives him one of the most recognisable numbers in Brazilian football as the national team begins a new chapter.
Other changes to Brazil’s squad numbers
Raphinha is not the only player whose number has changed.
Endrick moves to No. 9, while Estêvão takes No. 11. Vini Jr. retains No. 7 and Bruno Guimarães remains No. 8. Douglas Santos moves from No. 16 to No. 6.
The changes reflect the reshuffling of Brazil’s squad as Ancelotti assesses a new generation of players following the 2026 World Cup.
Discover more from VOICE OF THE PEOPLE
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
