Ancelotti snubs favourites, calls up Vasco star: “Spectacular”

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·4 November 2025

Ancelotti snubs favourites, calls up Vasco star: “Spectacular”

Vasco will indeed have a representative in the next FIFA Date. Coach Carlo Ancelotti announced the call-up for the Brazilian National Team this Monday (3). Right-back Paulo Henrique was the only name from the club called for the friendlies.

The call-up of Paulo Henrique comes a day after the coach's visit to São Januário. Ancelotti watched Vasco's defeat to São Paulo on Sunday. Other players from the club were considered, but they were left out of the list.

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Praise for Vasco's performance and stadium

The Italian coach justified the choice of Vasco's right-back. Ancelotti recalled the player's recent performance for the Brazilian National Team:

“Paulo Henrique did very well in his first call-up. He scored a goal and played well against Japan. He deserved to be here.”

The coach also praised the stadium after his visit:

“A spectacular atmosphere at São Januário. I thank the club for the reception I received. It was fantastic.”

Ancelotti at São Januário – Photo: CazéTV Reproduction

The second call-up and the overlooked

This is the second call-up for Paulo Henrique. In the first, he replaced Wesley from Roma, who was injured. This time, Ancelotti called both players, leaving Vitinho from Botafogo out.

There was great expectation about other names from Vasco. Léo Jardim, Philippe Coutinho, and Rayan were on the coach's preliminary list. However, the trio was not confirmed in the final list for the matches against Senegal (11/15) and Tunisia (11/18).