Vitor Roque earns Brazil call-up, eyes record v Palmeiras | OneFootball

Vitor Roque has been reaping the rewards of his great form at Palmeiras. Last Monday, the Verdão striker was called up by coach Carlo Ancelotti to represent the Brazilian National Team in the friendlies against Senegal and Tunisia, scheduled for November 15 and 18, respectively.

The number 9 of Palmeiras had his good form recognized by the Italian coach and returned to the Brazilian National Team after two years. The player’s last – and only – call-up was in March 2023, when the team was still managed by interim coach Ramon Menezes.

More confident after being called up to the Brazilian National Team, Vitor Roque now pursues an individual milestone. The alviverde athlete is aiming to achieve his most prolific goal-scoring year of his career.

In 2025, the center-forward found the net 18 times, 17 of those for Palmeiras and one for Real Betis, when he was still playing in Spanish football. Individually, the number 9 is close to reaching his most goal-filled year of his career.

The season with the most goals in Vitor Roque’s career was in 2023. On that occasion, the ‘Tigrinho’ scored 21 goals while still playing for Athletico-PR. He also contributed seven assists. His performance caught the attention of Barcelona, which invested in signing the player.

To reach the milestone, therefore, the Palmeiras striker needs three more goals. He recently went four games without scoring, but still has at least ten more matches before the end of the season. So, the number 9 will have plenty of chances.

Vitor Roque’s growth at Palmeiras

Vitor Roque was signed by Palmeiras in February of this year. After a saga involving Barcelona and Real Betis, the alviverde club shelled out 25.5 million euros (R$ 152.5 million at the time) to secure the player’s services, who signed a contract until the end of 2029.

The striker had a timid start at Verdão and took a while to find his form. The first goal of the ‘Tigrinho’ for Palmeiras came only at the beginning of May, when he lifted a weight off his shoulders by scoring against Vasco. But it was when he started partnering with Flaco López that he really took off.

The duo, known as ‘Flaco-Roque’, began playing together in the match against Ceará, in the 19th round of the Brazilian Championship. On that occasion, both scored: the Argentine converted a penalty and, two minutes later, it was the Brazilian’s turn to find the net.

From then on, the duo flourished. Since then, Vitor Roque has scored 13 goals and provided five assists, while Flaco López has netted 11 goals and delivered three assists.

Roque surprised by call-up and looks ahead to derby

Despite his good moment at Palmeiras, Vitor Roque was surprised by his call-up to the Brazilian National Team. Brazil will play two friendlies abroad. The first will be against Senegal, on November 15, in London (ENG). Then, they face Tunisia, on November 18, in Lille (FRA).

“I am very happy. It’s always a dream to serve the Brazilian National Team. Honestly, I didn’t expect it, even though I’ve been doing a good job here at Palmeiras, but I didn’t expect it. I’m happy. It’s a pride to represent the National Team. My family is also happy, it’s a dream come true. Now, I have to keep working so, God willing, I’ll have more opportunities,” said the center-forward.

Before joining the Brazilian National Team, however, Vitor Roque will be available to coach Abel Ferreira against Santos, and took the opportunity to look ahead to the clash. The ball rolls this Thursday, at 9:30 pm (Brasília time), at Allianz Parque, for the 32nd round of Série A.

“It’s a very important game. We have to keep working hard, with a lot of humility and, God willing, come out with the victory, which will be very important for us,” the athlete concluded.

Palmeiras’ position in the standings

With the win over Juventude, Palmeiras reached 65 points and remained at the top of the Brazilian league, one point ahead of Flamengo.

Upcoming Palmeiras matches

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