Ancelotti’s headache grows over Brazil’s number 9 selection | OneFootball

Less than six months before the start of the World Cup, coach Carlo Ancelotti might have a positive “headache” in choosing the “number 9s” for Brazil for the tournament. Recently, some of the national team's forwards have taken off and started to experience a good moment in football.

With that in mind, Gazeta Esportiva has selected some of the main names for the Brazilian National Team's attack that could be present in the biggest national team tournament in the world.

What are the options for the national team's attack?

Endrick

With few opportunities at Real Madrid, Endrick was loaned to Lyon, where he made an immediate impact. The number 9 scored four goals and provided an assist in just three games. The forward has already worked with Carlo Ancelotti and might get a chance in Brazil's upcoming friendlies.

Igor Thiago

Formerly of Cruzeiro, Igor Thiago took off in his first full season with Brentford, England. The forward, who has a strong presence in the area, is the league's second top scorer with 16 goals in 24 matches, only behind Haaland. Igor, who has not yet had chances with the Brazilian National Team, broke the record for goals by a Brazilian player in a single Premier League edition with 14 games still to be played.

João Pedro

A constant presence in recent call-ups, João Pedro stood out after his performances in the Club World Cup for Chelsea. In 33 games in his debut season for the English club, he scored 12 goals and provided four assists.

Kaio Jorge

Top scorer of the Brasileirão in 2025 with 21 goals, Kaio Jorge had his best career season with Cruzeiro in 2025. Under the command of Leonardo Jardim, the number 9 stood out for his mobility and goal-scoring instinct. In September, he was called up by Ancelotti for the World Cup Qualifiers.

Matheus Cunha

Recently arrived at Manchester United, Cunha plays in a more mobile way, being able to act as a false nine or number 10. In 22 games this season, he scored five goals and provided two assists. The forward is a constant figure in Ancelotti's call-ups.

Vitor Roque

After a difficult start at Palmeiras, Vitor Roque took off after the Club World Cup. Forming an attacking duo with Flaco López, the “Little Tiger” scored 20 goals and provided five assists in 2025, numbers that earned him a call-up by Ancelotti for the friendlies against Senegal and Tunisia in November.

Gabriel Jesus

After missing more than 45 games for Arsenal due to a knee ligament injury, Gabriel Jesus returned with full force to the London team. Since his return, the forward has scored three goals and provided an assist in 13 games, in which he had limited playing time. If called up, Jesus will be heading to his third World Cup in his career.

Pedro

Pedro experienced a season of ups and downs with Flamengo in 2025. Individually, he had a clash with Filipe Luís at the start of the season and dealt with injuries. Despite this, he played 39 games, scored 15 goals, and provided seven assists. The player has not yet been called up by Ancelotti.

Richarlison

A trusted man of Ancelotti since his time at Everton, Richarlison has been called up by the Italian coach in recent opportunities. The “pigeon” played 31 games this season, scored eight goals, and provided three assists. It remains to be seen if he will be fit to compete in the tournament, as he is currently treating a thigh injury.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.