Ancelotti’s Brazil Squad: Raphinha, Vinícius and Five Newcomers Headline November Friendlies
Carlo Ancelotti has named a refreshed Brazil squad for two November friendlies in Singapore, combining familiar stars with a group of emerging players as the national team continues to build toward future competitions. The selections have already sparked debate: Barcelona winger Raphinha has been called up after recently returning from a muscle injury, while Real Madrid forward Vinícius Júnior remains in the squad despite a difficult spell in Spain.
Five players have earned their first call-up under Ancelotti, including Cruzeiro defender Jonathan Jesus, Corinthians midfielder André Luiz, Shakhtar Donetsk duo Marlon Gomes and Alisson Santana, and Manchester City midfielder Allan. Their inclusion reflects the coach’s ongoing effort to assess Brazil’s depth and give younger football talent opportunities alongside established internationals.
Raphinha’s call-up renews Barcelona’s injury concerns
Raphinha’s selection is one of the most closely watched decisions in the squad announcement. The winger suffered a muscle problem while representing Brazil against Australia during the previous international break. He reported pain in his right thigh during the 4–2 victory and was substituted at half-time. Subsequent examinations revealed muscle oedema in the back of his thigh, prompting his return to Barcelona for treatment.
The injury caused concern at the Catalan club because it affected an area where Raphinha had experienced issues before. Barcelona president Joan Laporta expressed his displeasure at the setback, saying the club was worried by the recurrence and by the risks posed when players travel for extended international windows.
Barcelona-based journalist Alfredo Martínez also criticised the situation, using a pointed remark about Ancelotti and Real Madrid to underline the frustration surrounding the Brazilian’s handling. The comments added another layer to the familiar tension between club and country: national teams need their leading players available, while clubs are responsible for managing their fitness across demanding seasons.
Raphinha gradually returned to action for Barcelona and was considered fully fit in time for the Clásico against Real Madrid on 25 October. His inclusion means another long journey to Asia, however, and Barcelona will likely monitor his workload closely. For Ancelotti, the challenge will be balancing the value of having an influential attacker in camp with the need to avoid exposing a recently recovered player to unnecessary strain.
Vinícius stays in the squad despite suspension and form questions
Vinícius Júnior has also been selected, even as his recent performances and disciplinary situation remain talking points. The Real Madrid forward was handed a four-match La Liga suspension after being sent off against Villarreal. The Spanish Football Federation’s disciplinary committee punished him following an incident involving Nathan Saliba and his subsequent protest to the referee.
The ban applies to domestic fixtures, meaning it does not prevent Vinícius from representing Brazil during the international break. He is expected to miss Real Madrid’s league matches against Sevilla, Barcelona, Racing Santander and Valencia, but the national-team call-up gives him an opportunity to remain involved in competitive football while serving his club suspension.
Questions about Vinícius’s form have added to the scrutiny, though a national-team environment can offer a different setting and role. Ancelotti knows the forward well from their time together at Real Madrid and will be familiar with the qualities he can bring: pace, direct running and the ability to unsettle defenders in one-on-one situations. Whether the trip helps Vinícius regain confidence will be one of the storylines to follow.
The contrasting circumstances of the two selections make Ancelotti’s choices especially notable. Barcelona’s concern is primarily about Raphinha’s physical recovery, whereas the discussion around Vinícius centres on his performances and disciplinary issues. Both decisions underline the competing demands of international football and the clubs that supply its leading players.
Brazil squad blends established names with emerging talent
Ancelotti’s selection includes four goalkeepers: Bento of Al-Nassr, Lucas Perri of Torino and Pedro Morisco of Coritiba, alongside the other goalkeeper named in the squad. The defensive group features Arthur Dias, Carlos Augusto, Douglas Santos, Gabriel, Jair Cunha, Jonathan Jesus, Vanderson, Vitor Reis and Wesley.
In midfield, Brazil have André Luiz, Andrey Santos, Bruno Guimarães, Danilo Santos, Gabriel Bontempo, João Gomes and Marlon Gomes. The forward options include Alisson Santana, Allan, Endrick, Estêvão, Raphinha, Rayan and Vinícius Júnior.
The group brings together players with experience at major European clubs and Brazilian sides, as well as prospects still establishing themselves at senior level. For the newcomers, the camp offers more than the chance to train alongside international stars. It is also an opportunity to show Ancelotti how they respond to the pace, tactical demands and pressure of Brazil duty.
November fixtures offer a useful test—and fresh prediction questions
Brazil are scheduled to face Japan on 14 November before meeting Singapore on 17 November, with both matches set to take place at Singapore’s National Stadium. The fixtures form part of the team’s final gathering of 2026 and give Ancelotti a chance to test combinations, assess new arrivals and continue shaping the squad.
Any football prediction for the two games will depend on how much rotation Ancelotti chooses and how quickly the newcomers adapt. Brazil’s attacking talent gives them the potential to create chances against either opponent, but international friendlies are also about experimentation rather than results alone. Supporters may be watching for how the midfield balances creativity and defensive cover, whether the new defenders settle quickly, and how the coach manages the minutes of players returning from injury.
The Singapore trip therefore carries several layers of interest. Brazil will want positive performances, but the broader objective is to gather information: which young players can handle the step up, how the established stars fit into Ancelotti’s plans, and whether the squad can maintain its intensity without overloading key players. With Raphinha, Vinícius and five new faces all in focus, the November friendlies promise plenty of talking points beyond the final scores.
