Rayan on Brazil's attacking battle, reveals Diniz prediction | OneFootball

Forward Rayan, of Bournemouth, spoke about Fernando Diniz’s importance in his career during a press conference held this Tuesday in Orlando. The player said the former Vasco coach played a key role in his call-up to the Brazil National Team and had predicted it.

“When Diniz arrived [at Vasco], to me, he was like a father figure. He always talked to me and helped me a lot in training. He told me this moment I’m living now would happen. When my name came out on the list, he was the first to text and call me. I’m very grateful to him, he’s very important in my life,” the young player said.

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Strong competition

Making his debut with the Seleção, Rayan also spoke about the fierce competition for a place in Brazil’s attack. He explained how he can help the team and hopes to convince coach Carlo Ancelotti in training.

“There’s a lot of competition in the national team. It’s about working hard, and I hope to be here in the squad for the World Cup. I’m a player with mobility, regardless of the role. I hope I can play my game here with the national team. I’m good in the air and I can shoot from outside the box. There’s a lot of competition, and I hope to keep working hard and that everything goes well,” he said.

(Photo: Rafael Ribeiro/CBF)

The 19-year-old player, developed at Vasco, adapted quickly to the Premier League. He joined Bournemouth in January 2026 and already has two goals and one assist in nine matches for the team.

“The Premier League is very physical, with a lot of contact. I adapted quickly, but I’m still in that process. Leaving Rio de Janeiro and going to the cold isn’t easy. There are no easy games there, but I’m adapting quickly,” he concluded.

Brazil’s schedule

Brazil will face current World Cup runner-up France on March 26 (Thursday) at 5 p.m. Brasília time at Gillette Stadium in Boston. Later, the team will take on Croatia. The friendly will be played on the 31st (Tuesday), starting at 9 p.m., at Camping World Stadium in Orlando.

This will be Ancelotti’s last opportunity to test players with the Brazil National Team before drawing up the final squad list for the World Cup.

Brazil National Team’s upcoming matches

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