Matheuzinho on first call-up and Brazil hopes: ‘Dream come true’ | OneFootball

Matheuzinho is living his first days as a player for Brazil’s senior national team. Called up for the first time by Carlo Ancelotti, the Corinthians right-back spoke about the emotion of wearing the Seleção shirt, the anxiety before the squad announcement, and the expectation of making the most of the opportunity during this run of friendlies.

In an interview with CBF TV, the 26-year-old admitted that, although he knew a call-up was possible, he was surprised to hear his name among those selected. Matheuzinho described the moment as the fulfillment of a dream and highlighted the chance to be around the players and coaching staff of the national team.

Photo: Reproduction / Instagram

“It was a unique emotion. Of course you’re there hoping, but you never really expect it. But I’m very happy, it’s the fulfillment of a dream. And now I want to make the most of this moment, really enjoy it, because I think that’s the best thing to do right now. Make the most of it with the exceptional players here, with the wonderful coaching staff. So I have to make the most of it, enjoy it, and enjoy this moment.”

The first call-up to the senior team also comes with an immediate opportunity. Matheuzinho was confirmed by Carlo Ancelotti among the starters for the first friendly against Australia, scheduled for this Friday (25) at 7 a.m. Brasília time, at Queensland Country Bank Stadium in Townsville.

The presence of Hugo Souza and Breno Bidon makes adaptation easier

Matheuzinho did not arrive alone for his first experience with the senior national team. Corinthians has two other representatives in the squad: goalkeeper Hugo Souza and midfielder Breno Bidon.

For the full-back, having teammates from his daily life at Parque São Jorge by his side helped especially in the early moments. Matheuzinho said that he and Bidon, who is also making his first senior national team call-up, turned to Hugo to better understand the group’s routine.

“It helps, it makes things much easier. I think mainly because it’s the first time here, and you get nervous not knowing how everything works. So Breno and I talked a lot with Neca, to understand what the day-to-day and the routine are like. So together we helped each other a lot so we could arrive here more relaxed. Now, in the day-to-day, we can enjoy it more.”

Hugo Souza already had previous experience with the national team and will also start against Australia. Breno Bidon, meanwhile, begins as an option on the bench and could make his debut during the match.

‘I hope I can build a beautiful story here’

More than just enjoying his first call-up, Matheuzinho also showed a desire to turn the opportunity into a regular place in the national team. The full-back said he intends to show his football and justify Ancelotti’s decision.

“I think I’m here to contribute, to show my football. I hope I can prove that I deserve to be here. I’m very grateful for this opportunity, and I know the national team has exceptional players, who each show at their clubs why they are here. So I hope I can be here to help, to contribute. I hope I can build a beautiful story here with the national team.”

The call-up rewards the full-back’s current form at Corinthians. Matheuzinho has taken on a leading role in the black-and-white squad in recent seasons and was among the players who took part in winning the 2025 Copa do Brasil.

Anxiety started before the call-up

Matheuzinho also detailed the feelings leading up to the release of the squad list. Being included in the preliminary list had already raised expectations, but the full-back said he needed time to process the confirmation.

Even already integrated into training and wearing the national team uniform, the Corinthians player said he is still taking in the experience.

“It’s crazy, like I said. When you find out you’re on the preliminary list, that nervousness already hits. You already start feeling anxious. And then, right after you hear your name in the call-up, it’s something that takes a little while to really sink in. Honestly, it’s only now sinking in that I’m here at this moment, that I’m wearing the national team uniform, that I’m spending time with the players and the staff.”

“So it takes a little while, but I’m very happy, like I said, because it’s the fulfillment of a dream and I hope I can help. The expectations are as high as possible. I hope we have three very good matches, where we can do our best. Especially now, in this period of renewal for the national team. I hope we can build chemistry as quickly as possible so we can play three very good friendlies.”

Debut could already come as a starter

The first of the three matches in this run takes place this Friday. Ancelotti confirmed Matheuzinho at right-back, while Hugo Souza will be in goal for Brazil.

The lineup announced by the coach features Hugo Souza; Matheuzinho, Marquinhos, Vitor Reis and Douglas Santos; Danilo and Bruno Guimarães; Estêvão, Raphinha, Endrick and Vinicius Júnior.

After the first meeting with Australia, Brazil will face the hosts again on Tuesday (29), at 7 a.m., at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane. The run will end against India on October 3, at 11 a.m., at Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata.

For Matheuzinho, these will be the first chapters of the journey he hopes to build with the Seleção. And his debut may begin precisely among Ancelotti’s chosen 11.

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