Marcelo Paz praises Corinthians keeper's response to Brazil snub | OneFootball

Hugo Souza was not included among the players called up to the Brazilian National Team for the 2026 World Cup. The Corinthians goalkeeper had been monitored throughout the cycle led by Carlo Ancelotti and even appeared on some preliminary lists, but was ultimately left out of the final squad announced by the coaching staff.

The subject was addressed by Corinthians football executive Marcelo Paz, who highlighted the attitude adopted by the No. 1 after the squad announcement was finalized. According to the executive, there had been expectation within the club that the goalkeeper would be among those selected for the World Cup.

Photo: Rodrigo Coca/Ag. Corinthians

“We were all very hopeful about his call-up. We wanted it, we were rooting for him, we believed he was at that level. But it’s a decision that has to be respected. I think he reacted very well, with great maturity and already looking ahead. He didn’t let his guard down at Corinthians and put in good performances after that,” Marcelo Paz said.

The executive also reinforced his confidence in Hugo Souza’s potential with the Brazilian National Team in mind for the future. In his view, the black-and-white goalkeeper remains on the radar for the coming years and could be part of the next cycle leading up to the World Cup.

“I really believe Hugo is one of the goalkeepers for the next cycle. So that’s what he’s focused on now at the Brazilian National Team level. He will be one of the names for the next cycle, and he’ll be rooting, like me, like all of us here, for Brazil to win its sixth World Cup title,” he added.

Meanwhile, Hugo Souza remains focused on Corinthians’ commitments this season. The goalkeeper is expected to start this Wednesday, when Timão host Platense at 9:30 p.m. in the final round of the Copa Libertadores group stage.

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