Newcomer Matheuzinho wants to prove he deserves a Brazil call-up

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CBF

·24 September 2026

Newcomer Matheuzinho wants to prove he deserves a Brazil call-up

Called up to the senior Brazil national team for the first time, Matheuzinho wants his debut for the Seleção to be the start of a successful story with the team. In an interview with CBF TV, the right-back, confirmed as a starter for this Friday’s (25) friendly against Australia, made it clear that he intends to show everyone why he was selected by coach Carlo Ancelotti.

“I’m here to contribute and 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 show, each at their own club, why they are here. I hope I can build a beautiful story here with the Seleção,” stressed the Paraná native from Londrina.

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One of Corinthians’ standout players, he has stood out over the past few seasons in Brazilian football, especially the last one, when he helped Timão win the Copa do Brasil. Despite expecting a call-up, he admitted he was surprised when he saw his name announced among the 26 selected players.

“It was a unique emotion. You hope for it, but you never really expect it. I’m very happy; it’s the realization of a dream. I want to make the most of this moment, enjoy it a lot, because I think that’s the best thing to do right now. It’s about enjoying this moment to the fullest, with the exceptional players here and a wonderful coaching staff,” he celebrated.

Matheuzinho during his first training session with Brazil’s senior national team, in BrisbaneCredits: Rafael Ribeiro/CBF

The reaction to the call-up was shared by Corinthians’ communication channels, which also have midfielder Breno Bidon and goalkeeper Hugo Souza involved in this international break. Side by side, the trio watched Ancelotti’s squad list being read out. With every name announced, they hugged each other in celebration of their teammate’s success.

Before joining up, Matheuzinho explained that he and Breno Bidon spoke a lot with Hugo Souza, whose history with the Seleção is longer, to prepare for the national team’s routine and schedule.

“It helps a lot having Breno Bidon and Hugo Souza here. I think that being here for the first time makes you nervous because you don’t know how everything works. Breno and I talked a lot with Hugo to understand the day-to-day and the routine. Being here together helped a lot so we could arrive calmer, and in the day-to-day enjoy it more,” he said.

Having played for Flamengo and now at Corinthians, the 26-year-old defender has already worked under great coaches, but said the chance to be called up and work with Carlo Ancelotti is “crazy.”

“It’s crazy. When you find out you’re on the preliminary list, you already start feeling nervous and anxious. Right after hearing your name in the call-up, it takes a while for it to sink in. Honestly, it’s still sinking in that I’m here, wearing the national team shirt and being around the players and staff,” he revealed.

Matheuzinho during his first training session with Brazil’s senior national team, in BrisbaneCredits: Rafael Ribeiro/CBF

In the friendlies against Australia and India during this international break, the right-back is looking forward to playing his first matches for the Seleção and being part of the start of a new cycle for the team.

“The expectations couldn’t be better. I hope we have three very good matches so we can do our best, especially now during this period of renewal for the national team. I hope we can build chemistry as quickly as possible so we can play three really good friendlies,” he concluded.