The interim coach of the Brazilian National Team, Ramon Menezes, made his second call-up and presented some pleasant surprises for the squad that will compete in the friendlies against Guinea and Senegal, scheduled for June 17th and June 20th, respectively. Let’s see who the players are.
Index
Image: Thais Magalhães/CBF
Unusual scenario
The interim coach of the Brazilian National Team, Ramon Menezes, holds multiple positions. In addition to being the interim coach of the senior team, he also leads the U-20 national team, currently competing in the World Cup of that category in Argentina. Brazil is doing very well there, leading Group D and on track for qualification.
Therefore, the coach had to make a quick trip, leaving the tournament for a day to travel to Rio de Janeiro, where the call-up took place.
Brazil and the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) find themselves in a scenario of uncertainties, as the institution had indicated waiting for Carlo Ancelotti, who seems unlikely to leave Real Madrid next season.
Therefore, the organization continues its search for another coach, duly qualified and capable of winning the 2026 World Cup.
While the decision is yet to be made, Ramon Menezes continues with his call-ups, and this is his second one under his command.
Image: Buda Mendes – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images
Called-up players
Goalkeepers
Ederson – Manchester City; Alisson – Liverpool; Weverton – Palmeiras
Full-backs
Danilo – Juventus; Vanderson – Monaco; Alex Telles – Sevilla; Ayrton Lucas – Flamengo
Defenders
Marquinhos – PSG; Eder Militão – Real Madrid; Ibañez – Roma; Nino – Fluminense
Midfielders
André – Fluminense; Casemiro – Manchester United; Bruno Guimarães – Newcastle; Joelinton – Newcastle; Lucas Paquetá – West Ham; Raphael Veiga – Palmeiras
Forwards
Malcom – Zenit; Rony – Palmeiras; Pedro – Flamengo; Richarlison – Tottenham; Vini Jr – Real Madrid; Rodrygo – Real Madrid
Ramon’s newcomers
Despite being focused on winning the U-20 World Cup, where Brazil has high prospects due to a well-organized team and extremely talented players, Ramon Menezes made a good call-up with some notable points. Let’s take a look.
In this opportunity, the interim coach managed to blend the group well, calling up players who have been part of previous cycles and have a solid presence with the yellow and green shirt, such as Vinicius Jr, Rodrygo, Marquinhos, Casemiro, and Bruno Guimarães.
The Real Madrid forwards are two of the best players currently. Marquinhos, a French champion, remains consistent and reliable. Casemiro led Manchester United to the third position in the Premier League, and Bruno Guimarães followed closely, taking Newcastle to the Champions League after 20 years.
On the other hand, he also called up players who have been standing out on the international scene for some time but earned the opportunity to represent Brazil at this moment. One of the main names in this scenario is Joelinton. Formerly a forward, the player completely changed his playing style upon arriving in England.
Joelinton
At Newcastle, he started playing in midfield, using his physical strength and ability to defend and attack with high intensity. His call-up is well-deserved.
Lastly, Ramon Menezes valued the outstanding seasons of those who play in Brazilian football.
With the exception of Weverton, who has been a regular among the called-up players for some time, the others are experiencing their first call-up or have had limited appearances with the national team.
Image: George Wood/Getty Image
Ayrton Lucas
The Flamengo full-back is undoubtedly the best player in the team this season. Playing as a full-back, he has already contributed to 9 goals this year. He possesses great abilities in transition play, with physical strength, speed, and the ability to create plays through the middle and contribute to finishing.
Image: Instagram
Nino
The Fluminense center-back and captain has been having an excellent season for the club.
In addition to his obvious defensive role, the center-back is going through a goal-scoring phase, having scored 5 goals so far, which makes him one of the team’s top scorers.
The player was a regular presence in the youth national team call-ups, including the Olympic title, and now has the opportunity to showcase his skills in the senior Brazilian National Team.
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Image: André Durão
André
Nino’s teammate, like much of the Fluminense team, is having a fantastic season.
André is a complete player. Despite playing just in front of the defense, protecting it, he breaks the stereotype of a mere defender and possesses a unique ability to distribute the ball. Even under pressure, he opts for a supportive style of play and escapes difficulties with smart movements, dribbles, and intelligent passes capable of dismantling the opposing defense. A well-timed call-up.
Image: Marcelo Gonçalves / Fluminense
Raphael Veiga
The Palmeiras midfielder represents the team’s current form. Called up by Ramon Menezes in the previous call-up, the midfielder has not slowed down and deserves his place on the list.
Image: Marcos Pin/AFP
Should they be there?
However, not everything is perfect. Ramon Menezes opted for some questionable choices who, despite being good players, could have given way to more qualified or in-form athletes.
Alex Telles
The Sevilla full-back reached the UEFA Europa League final, a competition in which his team has a strong tradition. However, Alex Telles didn’t have a very impressive performance, having been left out of both semi-final matches against Juventus. The player has had average performances and lacks excitement.
Richarlison
The popular “Pombo” is not going through a good phase. The player has only scored 3 goals in 35 matches this season. It’s true that he has suffered from injuries and hasn’t been available for a significant part of the year. However, his performance is indeed below what he is capable of producing. This would be a good opportunity for other players who are in better form.
As for you, what do you think were the biggest mistakes and successes of Ramon Menezes’ call-up?
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Written by Vitor F L Miller
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