Raphinha Takes Over Brazil’s Number 10 Shirt Ahead of Friendlies Against Australia and India
Raphinha, the forward from Barcelona, has been given Brazil’s legendary number 10 shirt for upcoming friendly matches in Oceania and Asia. The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) revealed squad numbers for their 26-man roster ahead of games against Australia and India, marking a shift in attacking roles after the recent World Cup.
A Shift in Brazil’s Attacking Line
The iconic number 10, long associated with Neymar, is now worn by Raphinha. Meanwhile, young talent Endrick, a rising star at Real Madrid, takes the number 9 jersey, replacing Matheus Cunha who is absent for this break. These changes highlight a transition within Brazil’s forward line as new leaders emerge.
Growing Responsibilities for Raphinha
By handing Raphinha a jersey once worn by legends like Pele and Ronaldinho, the coaching staff emphasize his increasing role in Brazil's creative attack. At 29, he is viewed as the key figure to break down defenses during this period of leadership change. Endrick’s number 9 signals Brazil’s focus on developing him as their future main striker.
Youth Movement Evident in Squad Numbers
- Estevao: Assigned number 11
- Vinicius Junior: Keeps number 7
- Marquinhos: Retains number 4
- Gabriel Magalhaes: Holds number 3
- Hugo Souza: Wears number 1 as goalkeeper
The squad reflects a youthful core alongside experienced defenders, signaling ongoing renewal.
Upcoming Matches in Australia and India
Carlo Ancelotti’s team will start the tour facing Australia in Townsville this Friday, then meet the Socceroos again four days later in Brisbane. The trip wraps up with a match against India in Kolkata on Saturday, November 3. This tight schedule offers an opportunity to test tactical setups before future competitions.
