Pitaco do gringo's Brazilian football site

Neymar in Brazil squad for the 2026 World Cup

pitacodogringo — Mon, 18 May 2026 21:24:09 +0000

Carlo Ancelotti has named his squad for Canada, Mexico and the United States. The 26 includes Neymar, who has not appeared for the Seleção since October 2023. The 34-year-old Santos player clocked up 128 appearances, scoring 79 goals, making him the country’s leading scorer. Brazilians were divided regarding Neymar’s potential call-up. Many were in favour, others were firmly against his return. Chelsea’s João Pedro is the player who misses out up front.

The squad includes six Brazil-based players and a large number of Premier League footballers. Alisson (Liverpool), Gabriel Magalhães and Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal), Casemiro and Matheus Cunha (Manchester United), Igor Thiago (Brentford), Rayan (Bournemouth) and Bruno Guimarães (Newcastle) all make the cut. Chelsea’s Estêvão and Real Madrid’s Rodrygo and Éder Militão are injured and miss the tournament.

Full squad.

Goalkeepers: Alisson (Liverpool), Ederson (Fenerbahçe), Weverton (Grêmio)

Defenders: Alex Sandro (Flamengo), Bremer (Juventus), Danilo (Flamengo), Douglas Santos (Zenit), Gabriel Magalhães (Arsenal), Ibañez (Al-Ahli), Léo Pereira (Flamengo), Marquinhos (PSG), Wesley (Roma)

Midfielders: Bruno Guimarães (Newcastle), Casemiro (Manchester United), Danilo Santos (Botafogo), Fabinho (Al-Ittihad), Lucas Paquetá (Flamengo)

Forwards: Endrick (Lyon), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal), Igor Thiago (Brentford), Luiz Henrique (Zenit), Matheus Cunha (Manchester United), Neymar (Santos), Raphinha (Barcelona), Rayan (Bournemouth), Vini Jr. (Real Madrid)

Screenshot

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For decades, Brazil have kept us spellbound with their brand of intoxicating football. The skills have been breathtaking, the moves and tricks audacious, and millions have been enchanted by Pelé, Rivellino, Gérson, Jairzinho, Sócrates, Zico, Ronaldinho and countless other fantastic players. The South Americans have lifted the World Cup a record five times. But with no wins since 2002, their position as the globe’s most successful soccer nation is under threat, and only victory in the USA, Canada and Mexico will silence their critics.

The triumphs in 1958 and 1962, the genius of Romário in 1994 and Ronaldo in 2002 all added to the allure. But it is the mesmerising football played in 1970 and 1982 that continues to capture the imagination of Brazil’s followers worldwide, setting the awe-inspiring yellow shirts apart. This book brings to life how the Brazilians dominated international football and became the embodiment of everything joyous about the game.

Scouts’ Stories: A Life in the Shadows

pitacodogringo — Wed, 27 Aug 2025 00:11:02 +0000

Away from the glare of publicity and glamour surrounding coaches and players, a hidden realm exists—a domain shrouded in secrecy where men and women work tirelessly behind the scenes, searching for talent.

Brazil in the World Cup: the story of the Seleção on football’s greatest stage

pitacodogringo — Wed, 11 Dec 2024 15:18:25 +0000

From Triumph to Turmoil: The Complex Tale of Brazil’s National Team!

Introducing, ‘Brazil in the World Cup: The Story of the Seleção on Football’s Greatest Stage.’

The book will take you on a journey through the vibrant history of Brazil’s national football team, exploring their unparalleled success – five-time World Cup champions – and the complexities that accompany their legacy. From the exhilarating triumphs of 1958, 1962, and 2002 to the struggles of recent tournaments, this book details the captivating story of a national team that embodies the joys and sorrows of football.

Inside, you’ll discover:

Historical insights, tracing Brazil’s World Cup campaigns from the first tournament in 1930 to the build-up for the 2026 World Cup.
Colourful characters both on and off the pitch, including legendary players and iconic coaches who have shaped the Seleção’s destiny.
Cultural contexts that reflect the intricate relationship between football and national identity in Brazil addressing the challenges faced in the sport today.

As we gear up for the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico, the pressure mounts for Brazil to reclaim its glory and silence its critics. This book not only celebrates their storied past but also examines their current struggles and potential resurgence.

Join me in exploring a narrative rich with passion, historical depth and the relentless spirit of Brazil.

Read the extract in the link and embark on this thrilling journey through the world of Brazilian football!

Brazil Qatar World Cup squad includes 12 Premier League players

pitacodogringo — Mon, 07 Nov 2022 19:05:46 +0000

Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Newcastle, Tottenham and West Ham all have players in Brazil’s 26-man squad for the upcoming World Cup.

The South Americans start their campaign against Serbia 24^th November and then face Switzerland and Cameroon in Group G.

Brazilian Antony celebrates after scoring against Venezuela, during a U-23 friendly match between Venezuela and Brazil in Recife, Brazil, 10 October 2019. The match is as preparation for the pre-Olympic, which will be played in January 2020, in Colombia. EFE / Diego Nigro

Manchester United’s Anthony

Goalkeepers

Alisson – Liverpool

Ederson – Manchester City

Weverton – Palmeiras

Wing backs

Danilo – Juventus

Alex Sandro – Juventus

Daniel Alves – Pumas

Alex Telles – Sevilla

Centre-backs

Militão – Real Madrid

Marquinhos – PSG

Thiago Silva – Chelsea

Bremer – Juventus

Midfielders

Bruno Guimarães – Newcastle

Casemiro – Manchester United

Fabinho – Liverpool

Fred – Manchester United

Paquetá – West Ham

Everton Ribeiro – Flamengo

Forwards

Neymar – PSG

Vinicius Júnior – Real Madrid

Antony – Manchester United

Rodrygo – Real Madrid

Raphinha – Barcelona

Richarlison – Tottenham

Pedro – Flamengo

Gabriel Jesus – Arsenal

Gabriel Martinelli – Arsenal

Manchester United’s Antony in Brazil squad for Ghana & Tunisia Sept 2022

pitacodogringo — Fri, 09 Sep 2022 15:04:52 +0000

Tite has called up his squad for the friendlies against Ghana and Tunisia. The South Americans will play Ghana on 23^rd September in the Oceane stadium in Le Havre, France, and Tunisia four days later in Le Parc des Princes in Paris. These are Brazil’s final matches before they take on Serbia on 24^th November in their opening fixture in the World Cup.

Goalkeepers

Alisson – Liverpool

Ederson – Manchester City

Weverton – Palmeiras

Centre-backs

Bremer – Juventus

Militão – Real Madrid

Marquinhos – PSG

Ibañez – Roma

Thiago Silva – Chelsea

Wingbacks

Danilo – Juventus

Alex Sandro – Juventus

Alex Telles – Sevilla

Midfielders

Bruno Guimarães – Newcastle

Casemiro – Manchester United

Everton Ribeiro – Flamengo

Fabinho – Liverpool

Fred – Manchester United

Paquetá – West Ham

Forwards

Antony – Manchester United

Firmino – Liverpool

Matheus Cunha – Atlético Madrid

Neymar – PSG

Pedro – Flamengo

Raphinha – Barcelona

Richarlison – Tottenham

Rodrygo – Real Madrid

Vinicius Júnior – Real Madrid

Brazil top the FIFA World Ranking

pitacodogringo — Thu, 25 Aug 2022 20:58:45 +0000

The South Americans are one of the favourites for the Qatar World Cup and lead the ranking ahead of Belgium, Argentina, France and England

Brazil to play friendlies against Tunisia and Ghana

pitacodogringo — Fri, 19 Aug 2022 15:30:54 +0000

The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) has said that the seleção will take on Tunisia on 23^rd September and Ghana four days later. The matches are part of Brazil’s build up for the World Cup in Qatar. The venues are yet to be decided with the CBF pushing for Paris or London as possible locations.

Brazil x Argentina re-match cancelled

pitacodogringo — Thu, 11 Aug 2022 20:33:41 +0000

Last September’s abandoned Copa America clash between Brazil and Argentina will not be replayed. After a recommendation by Fifa, the Brazilian and Argentine football federations have agreed to not to go ahead with the match that was scheduled for September 2022. The decision suits both countries who are focusing on their build up to the Qatar World Cup.

Brazil’s new shirt for Qatar World Cup

pitacodogringo — Mon, 08 Aug 2022 20:13:53 +0000

Brazil will have a new jersey for their campaign in the upcoming World Cup in Qatar. According to Nike, the jaguar pattern has been designed to ‘represent Brazil’s artistic but fierce way of playing’.

Anatomy Of A Football Scout: An In-depth Look At Player Recruitment

pitacodogringo — Thu, 27 Jan 2022 15:44:17 +0000

Player recruitment is a complex world. Identifying and then signing the right type of footballer for a club is rarely straightforward and can take months or even years of hard work. But how does the scouting process work? What makes a good scout? What are the challenges for today’s talent spotters and how is scouting developing? The answers are here.

The book covers all the basics of talent identification and a lot more on top. There is advice and tips for would-be scouts and chapters that deal with topics such as which players to flag up, report writing, data and video analysis, bias, junior and youth players, and what to look for in specific positions at any level in the game.

Anatomy of a football scout is aimed at anyone wanting to start out in scouting or has some experience in the field and wants to increase their knowledge. It is also packed with insight for those with a general interest in player recruitment.

Available now on Amazon