Coach Carlo Ancelotti recalled Real Madrid players Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo to the Brazil team for the forthcoming friendlies against South Korea and Japan on Wednesday.
Vinicius was rested for Brazil’s most recent 2026 World Cup qualifier against Bolivia in September, while Rodrygo was absent due to limited playing time this season with Madrid.
“Rodrygo has returned, as he has performed admirably whenever he has been substituted in, despite limited playing time,” Ancelotti stated.
Neymar’s anticipation for his first international participation since October 2023 continues, as Brazil’s all-time leading scorer is sidelined until at least November due to a thigh injury.
Ronaldo, the recipient of the Golden Boot during the Selecao’s fifth World Cup victory in 2002, recently urged Ancelotti to include Santos forward Neymar on the roster for next year’s tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Eder Militao, the centre-back for Real Madrid, has been reinstated following a prolonged injury absence.
Ancelotti unexpectedly summoned forward Igor Jesus, who has netted four goals in his two games for Nottingham Forest following his transfer from Botafogo.
Brazil, which eventually secured qualification for the World Cup despite some unsatisfactory outcomes, will confront South Korea in Seoul on October 10, followed by a match against Japan in Tokyo four days later.
