Raphinha’s name appeared again on Brazil’s squad list on Monday. Another international break with a long trip ahead as Brazil is preparing an attempt to capture the FIFA World Cup trophy once again – this time, under a foreign manager. Carlo Ancelotti has called up the Barcelona winger for a pair of friendlies in the United States later this month, with Brazil set to face France on March 26th in Boston and Croatia on March 31st in Orlando.
The call arrives right after one of Raphinha’s best nights
of the season. Barcelona beat Sevilla 5-2 and the Brazilian finished with three goals, his third hat trick since Hansi Flick took over.
The first came from the penalty spot after a move he started himself, flicking a clever backheel into João Cancelo’s run before the defender was brought down. Raphinha stepped up and lifted the ball Panenka-style. Later he converted another penalty, this time driving it low to the goalkeeper’s right, and completed the hat-trick after the break with a close-range finish inside the box.
Physical issues interrupted have interrupted his rhythm more than last season, and kept him out of 13 matches, with the coaching staff also holding him back twice as a precaution. Even so, the Sevilla game pushed him to 18 goals for the campaign.
A year ago his numbers were almost absurd: 34 goals and 26 assists across competitions. He was so good that his name was at points leading Ballon d’Or conversations. In the end, he did not win the award or even end up in the FIFPro best XI, which raised a few eyebrows at the time.
With Brazil, his role has quietly grown. Ancelotti has leaned on Raphinha more often during the last windows, and now, Rodrygo’s long-term injury has changed the picture, as well. The Italian coach has been open about using the March camp as a rehearsal of sorts for the group he hopes to take to the World Cup, so most of the regulars are involved.
But the name that has drawn the most attention is the one that isn’t there. Neymar has not been called since his serious knee injury in October 2023, and he won’t feature this time, either. The ex-FC Barcelona star underwent arthroscopy on his left knee in December and has only played four matches this year so far.
“He can be at the World Cup, but he might also not go; right now we haven’t called him because we believe he is not 100% physically,” Ancelotti said when asked about the Santos forward.
