There’s a familiar name pulling the strings for Brazil these days — and no, we’re not talking about the Bernabéu dugout. Carlo Ancelotti, who traded Madrid’s training ground at Valdebebas for the Seleção hot seat, has named his latest Brazil squad for a pair of November friendlies against Japan and Singapore. And naturally, a couple of Madridistas are right at the heart of it.
Who’s In the Squad?
Ancelotti has called upon two players he knows better than almost anyone: Endrick and Vinícius Jr. Both forwards spent time under his management at Real Madrid before Ancelotti moved on to take charge of the national team, so there’s a real comfort and familiarity there. Vinícius comes into this squad while currently serving a suspension at club level, meaning the international break gives him a chance to stay sharp and get minutes under his belt while he waits out his ban in LaLiga.
The more eyebrow-raising selection, however, comes from the Barcelona side of the city divide. Raphinha has also been named in the squad — and this one is complicated. The winger has only recently returned to action after spending several weeks on the sidelines nursing an injury he picked up, ironically, while on international duty with Brazil. Now Ancelotti wants him back in the fold again, and it’ll be up to Barcelona’s medical staff to decide whether they’re comfortable letting him travel and play. It’s the kind of situation that makes club managers lose sleep — a key player heading off for friendlies against Japan and Singapore with a recent injury history. Hansi Flick and the Barça hierarchy will be weighing that one carefully.
What It Means for Real Madrid
From a Real Madrid perspective, having Vinícius and Endrick in the Brazil setup is largely a positive sign of where this club stands on the global stage. These are two of the most exciting attacking talents in world football, and the fact that they’re regulars in the national team picture — even under a coach who knows them personally — reflects their standing in the game right now.
Vinícius in particular has been one of the defining players in world football over recent seasons. Despite his ongoing club suspension being a frustration for Madrid fans, keeping him active and in rhythm during the break is arguably a silver lining. The last thing anyone at the Bernabéu wants is for their Brazilian talisman to go cold sitting in the stands.
Endrick, meanwhile, continues to develop as one of the brightest young prospects in the world. Every senior Brazil appearance is valuable experience for the teenager, who is still establishing himself at the highest club level. Getting regular international exposure — even in friendlies — is part of his growth, and Madrid fans should be excited about the trajectory he’s on.
What’s Next?
The two friendly matches — against Japan and then Singapore — are designed to round off Brazil’s 2026 international calendar, giving Ancelotti a chance to experiment, assess his options, and keep his squad ticking over before competitive action resumes. For Real Madrid supporters, the main thing will be hoping both Vinícius and Endrick return from the international window fit, fresh, and firing — because there’s plenty still to play for at club level as the season rolls on.
As for Raphinha and Barcelona’s situation, that’s their headache to deal with. But it’s worth keeping an eye on, because if the Catalans end up blocking his call-up or he picks up another knock, it’ll be another chapter in what has already been a complicated international saga for the winger.
Madridistas, the international break is here — let’s just make sure our boys come back in one piece.
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