Carleto watching 👀! National team hopefuls shine in Copa year opener

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·5 January 2026

Carleto watching 👀! National team hopefuls shine in Copa year opener

The World Cup year has officially begun for the players eligible for the Brazilian National Team.

With Carlo Ancelotti keeping a close eye, the players competing in the major European leagues took to the field this weekend.

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The ge website has put together a summary of the performances of Brazilians who have been called up in Brazil’s recent squads, focusing only on those playing in Europe’s top five leagues.

Check out the summary below!

🏴 Premier League: The brilliance of the ‘Gabriels’ and Bruno Guimarães ON

The English round was marked by Brazilian goals:

Bruno Guimarães (Newcastle): The best player on the pitch in the win over Crystal Palace. Scored a goal, provided an assist, and is, without a doubt, experiencing the best moment of his career, being the second top scorer for the Magpies this season.
Matheus Cunha (Man. United): Was United’s savior in the draw against Leeds. In addition to his goal, he had a volley disallowed and hit the post, showing why he is currently the team’s most productive Brazilian.
Gabriel Magalhães (Arsenal): Had a redemption game. Made a mistake on Bournemouth’s goal, but scored the equalizer and ensured aerial security in the Gunners’ victory. Martinelli also stood out for his physical dominance in the comeback play.
Andrey Santos (Chelsea): Came on at halftime against City and transformed Chelsea’s defensive sector, winning almost every duel and helping secure the draw at the Etihad.

🇪🇸 La Liga: Vini and Rodrygo steal the show

In Real Madrid’s 5-1 thrashing of Betis, the Brazilians were the maestros:

Vinícius Júnior: Gave the opposing full-back a ‘lesson’, forcing him to be substituted at halftime. Created the main plays and led the Merengues’ attack, but seemed a bit irritated when he left the field in the 77th minute of the second half.
Rodrygo: In clear technical recovery, was the provider of the night with two assists and individual plays that “twisted” the defense.

🇫🇷 Ligue 1: Marquinhos in the spotlight

After winning the Intercontinental Cup against Flamengo, captain Marquinhos started on the bench in PSG’s win over Paris FC. The defender came on in the second half to regain match fitness, after showing signs of physical fatigue in the last games of last year.