With Neymar injured, Rodrygo has been chosen to wear Brazil No. 10 jersey against Colombia and Argentina. Despite Vinicius Jr. 29 goal involvements and Raphinha 45 contributions this season, Rodrygo earned the nod after recording 12 goals and 8 assists for Real Madrid. Brazil sits fifth in CONMEBOL qualifiers under coach Dorival Junior.
With the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers heating up, Brazil faces a crucial decision on who will wear Neymar’s iconic No. 10 jersey as he recovers from injury. Set to play Colombia on March 20 and Argentina on March 25, head coach Dorival Junior has handed the number to Rodrygo. The Real Madrid forward, who has 12 goals and 8 assists this season, was chosen over Vinicius Junior and Raphinha.
Rodrygo, 24, already has 31 caps and 7 goals for Brazil and steps into the role previously held by legends like Pelé, Zico, and Neymar. Vinicius, despite his 29 goal involvements at Real Madrid this season, has struggled in Brazil colours with no goals and just one assist in 550 qualifying minutes. Meanwhile, Raphinha’s club form has been exceptional, recording 45 goal involvements this season and setting a new Champions League record for a Brazilian with 11 goals.
Despite being Brazil’s top scorer under Dorival with 4 goals, Raphinha was not selected for the No. 10. Brazil, currently fifth in the CONMEBOL standings, is undergoing a transition with 15 new players debuting under Dorival. As the Seleção navigates this challenging phase, all eyes will be on Rodrygo to lead Brazil’s attack.
