Barcelona winger Raphinha has been handed Brazil’s iconic No. 10 shirt as the national team begins a new era following Neymar’s departure from international football.
The 29-year-old is set to wear the number during Brazil’s new cycle under head coach Carlo Ancelotti, with the Seleção facing Australia in Townsville on Friday before another meeting with the hosts and a historic friendly against India.
Raphinha has previously worn the No. 10 shirt when Neymar was unavailable, but the number now takes on greater significance following the former captain’s exit from the national team.
The Barcelona star is also in Ancelotti’s starting XI for Friday’s first post-World Cup friendly against Australia. He will line up alongside Estêvão, Endrick and Vinícius Júnior in attack.
Brazil’s squad for the new cycle contains several changes as Ancelotti begins preparations for the next World Cup. The CBF named 26 players for the friendlies against Australia and India, with Raphinha among the attacking options.
Neymar, Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with 80 goals, had worn the No. 10 during four World Cup tournaments. The CBF previously noted that he became only the second Brazilian player, after Pelé, to wear the famous shirt in four different World Cups.
The No. 10 has a special place in Brazil’s football history, having previously been worn by legends including Pelé, Zico, Rivaldo, Ronaldinho, Kaká and Neymar.
Raphinha now takes on the number as Brazil moves into a new international cycle under Ancelotti.
The first test comes against Australia at Queensland Country Bank Stadium in Townsville on September 25. Brazil will face Australia again in Brisbane on September 29 before meeting India in Kolkata on October 3.
For Raphinha, the new shirt brings added attention as he becomes one of the leading figures in a Brazil side being reshaped after the 2026 World Cup.