Raphinha Becomes Brazil’s New No. 10

Barcelona winger Raphinha has officially been handed Brazil’s iconic No. 10 shirt following Neymar Jr.’s retirement from international football. The Brazilian Football Confederation confirmed the squad numbers on Thursday ahead of the Seleção’s upcoming friendlies against Australia and India. Raphinha will make his first appearance wearing the number in Friday’s meeting with Australia in Townsville, marking Brazil’s first fixture since their Round-of-16 elimination at the 2026 World Cup. Fabrizio Romano also reported the development on X, describing Raphinha as Brazil’s new No. 10 after Neymar’s international retirement. Other squad changes include Endrick taking the No. 9 shirt previously worn by Matheus Cunha, while Estêvão has been assigned No. 11 and Vinícius Júnior retains No. 7. Goalkeeper Hugo Souza will wear No. 1.

Neymar, Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with 80 goals in 130 appearances, wore the No. 10 shirt throughout four World Cup tournaments before ending his international career after the 2026 World Cup. The 34-year-old confirmed his decision in late July, saying his time with the national team had come to an end. Raphinha had previously worn the famous number during Neymar’s absences, including in World Cup qualifying, but will now take it on a permanent basis as Brazil begins a new chapter. The shirt carries significant historical importance in Brazilian football, having previously been worn by legends such as Pelé, Zico, Rivaldo, Ronaldinho, Kaká and Neymar. Raphinha now becomes the latest player to carry the number as the Seleção begins a new era under head coach Carlo Ancelotti.

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