Premier League players Igor Thiago and Rayan have received their first-ever call-ups to the Brazil national football team ahead of upcoming international friendlies later this month.
The duo were named in the latest squad by head coach Carlo Ancelotti as Brazil prepare to face France national football team and Croatia national football team.
Thiago rewarded for fine form
Thiago’s inclusion comes after an impressive season with Brentford F.C., where he has scored 19 league goals, establishing himself as one of the Premier League’s standout performers.
The 24-year-old, who joined Brentford from Club Brugge KV in 2024, has enjoyed a remarkable turnaround following an injury-disrupted debut campaign.
Brentford head coach Keith Andrews praised his progress, saying:
“Really proud of what he’s done to get to this point. It has been a dream and a huge ambition for him. When he pulls on that iconic jersey, it will be a special moment for Thiago and his family.”
Rayan leads youthful additions
Nineteen-year-old Rayan, currently with AFC Bournemouth, also earns his maiden senior call-up after an encouraging start in England following his move from CR Vasco da Gama.
The squad also features other fresh faces, including Gabriel Sara and Léo Pereira, while highly rated youngster Endrick returns after a year out of the national setup.
However, veteran forward Neymar was left out due to fitness concerns.
“I haven’t called him up because he’s not 100 percent,” Ancelotti explained. “But for the final squad, that’s another story.”
Focus on World Cup preparations
The upcoming friendlies will serve as Brazil’s final preparations before the squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup is finalized.
Brazil will take on France on March 26 in Boston, before facing Croatia on March 31 in Orlando.
The five-time world champions will kick off their World Cup campaign against Morocco national football team, with additional group-stage fixtures against Haiti national football team and Scotland national football team.
Full Brazil squad
Goalkeepers:
Alisson (Liverpool), Bento (Al-Nassr), Ederson (Fenerbahce)
Defenders:
Alex Sandro (Flamengo), Bremer (Juventus), Danilo (Flamengo), Douglas Santos (Zenit), Gabriel Magalhães (Arsenal), Ibanez (Al-Ahli), Léo Pereira (Flamengo), Marquinhos (Paris Saint-Germain), Wesley (Roma)
Midfielders:
Andrey Santos (Chelsea), Casemiro (Manchester United), Danilo (Botafogo), Fabinho (Al-Ittihad), Gabriel Sara (Galatasaray)
Forwards:
Endrick (Lyon), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal), Igor Thiago (Brentford), João Pedro (Chelsea), Luiz Henrique (Zenit), Matheus Cunha (Manchester United), Raphinha (Barcelona), Rayan (Bournemouth), Vinícius Jr (Real Madrid)
The new call-ups highlight Brazil’s blend of emerging talent and experienced stars as they build toward another World Cup campaign.
