Wed 28 May 2025, 13:00
Tottenham HotspurRicharlison has been named in Carlo Ancelotti's first Brazil squad for next month's FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Ecuador and Paraguay.
With 20 goals in 48 caps in his international career, Richy's latest call-up marks a long-awaited return to the national team having not been selected since March, 2024, and not played since October, 2023, after enduring a challenging time with injuries in recent seasons.
Ancelotti, 65, started his tenure as new Seleção coach on Monday (26 May) having been in charge of Real Madrid for the past four years and is an experienced manager our number nine knows very well having featured 63 times in all competitions under the Italian during their time together at Premier League side Everton.
The 28-year-old, who has made 90 appearances for Spurs since his move from the Toffees in July, 2022, had a frustrating injury-hit season in 2024/25 but returned to fitness in time for the latter stages of the campaign and started in the UEFA Europa League Final success against Manchester United on 21 May.
Richy's previous involvement for Brazil came against Uruguay during this CONMEBOL qualifying campaign on 18 October 2023, and the record five-time World Cup winners are yet to seal their place in the United States, Mexico and Canada and sit fourth in the South American group, having lost five of 14 games.
Brazil face a trip to second-placed Ecuador on 6 June (midnight UK) before hosting fifth-placed Paraguay at Arena Corinthians on 11 June (1.45am UK), with the top six securing automatic qualification to next summer's major tournament.
Taking to social media to express his joy to return to the international stage, Richy said: "It's been 586 days without feeling this taste. You guys have no idea how good it feels to be back! Let's go 🇧🇷!!!!! 💚💛💙"
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