Weverton on “fainting” after World Cup call-up: “Heart racing” | OneFootball

Weverton commented on the “fainting spell” seen in a viral video after reacting to his call-up for the World Cup, during a press conference on Thursday morning (28) at Granja Comary. On May 18, the day coach Carlo Ancelotti announced the 26 selected players, the experienced goalkeeper’s reaction made waves on social media, as he “fainted” for a few seconds upon hearing the news.

“I think my celebration, my little fainting spell, said it all about whether I knew or not (that I would be called up). I lived that emotion. My heart was racing. Jokes aside, my fall was from relief, emotion, and everything that goes through your mind during that period,” he celebrated.

Weverton smiles during a press conference for the Brazilian National Team at Granja Comary, during preparations for the 2026 World CupCredits: Rafael Ribeiro/CBF

At 38 years old, the Rio Branco, Acre native will play in his second World Cup — he was also part of the 2022 tournament in Qatar. An idol at Palmeiras, where he won multiple titles over an eight-year spell, he left the São Paulo club this season to join Grêmio. He explained that the decision to transfer was difficult, but praised the warm welcome from the Rio Grande do Sul club.

“My daughter is already nine years old, and I was very afraid she wouldn’t adapt. I was very well received by Grêmio’s fans, and then (the call-up) came. I made the decision to seek this new challenge and was rewarded with another World Cup because of my courage. I’m very happy and grateful,” he said.

Weverton’s last call-up had been in March 2025, for the matches against Colombia and Argentina in the World Cup qualifiers. Overall, he has been called up 56 times and has made ten appearances for the Seleção.

Weverton during a press conference for the Brazilian National Team at Granja Comary, during preparations for the 2026 World CupCredits: Rafael Ribeiro/CBF

Battle for the starting spot

Just like at the 2022 World Cup, Weverton is competing with Alisson and Ederson. Despite not having been part of the Seleção’s recent cycle, he made it clear that he wants to fight for a place in the starting eleven and stressed that competition is healthy for the team.

“Everyone who is here is fully capable of playing and came here to play, help, and compete. That choice is always up to the coach, because he understands what is best for the national team at the moment. Alisson wants to play, Ederson wants to play, and I want to play. That’s good and brings a great level of competitiveness to the team,” he emphasized.

Weverton during a press conference for the Brazilian National Team at Granja Comary, during preparations for the 2026 World CupCredits: Rafael Ribeiro/CBF

Light atmosphere

A leader at the clubs he has played for, Weverton has already noticed the light atmosphere within the Brazilian squad and praised the sense of responsibility among the players who will be chasing Brazil’s sixth world title.

“I’ve seen a lot of joy. They are players who are very happy to be here; it’s a very light, very cheerful environment. We know the size of the responsibility that comes with wearing the national team shirt and representing a country, a nation, at a World Cup. No one here runs from their responsibility, but it is still a joyful environment, one of satisfaction and pleasure, so that we can enjoy such an important moment in each of our lives,” he said.

Qatar World Cup

In 2022, Weverton was the Seleção’s third goalkeeper. Alisson was the starter, and Ederson his immediate backup. Despite the competition, he got the chance to play in the final minutes of the 4-1 win over South Korea in the round of 16.

“I experienced something very special in that World Cup. At that moment, I was the only player who hadn’t stepped onto the field, and the fact that he (coach Tite) thought of me in that way, so that I could also take part in the World Cup, was something that will stay with me forever,” he recalled fondly.

Weverton played in the final minutes of Brazil’s win over South Korea in the round of 16 of the 2022 World CupCredits: Michael Regan - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images

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