Corinthians legend backs Yuri Alberto's World Cup call-up

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Central do Timão

·3 Desember 2025

Corinthians legend backs Yuri Alberto's World Cup call-up

By Mirella Ramos / Central do Timão Editorial Team

Former striker Luizão, world champion with Corinthians, when speaking about the Brazilian National Team, highlighted Yuri Alberto as a player who deserves a spot in the team led by Carlo Ancelotti. The statement was made in an interview with ESPN.

The Corinthians idol argued that he would include Timão’s number 9 on his call-up list. “He’s a very hardworking kid. I think he needs to be among the called-up players. I would take him, because he’s the kind of player who fights for the ball, goes after it. I would take him,” said the former player.

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Photos: Rodrigo Coca/Agência Corinthians

Corinthians’ top scorer of the season, with 18 goals and 2 assists, Yuri has not yet been called up by the current National Team coach, but remains in contention for a spot in the squad that will represent Brazil at the 2026 World Cup, which will be held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

Yuri Alberto has worn the main national team jersey only once, in 2023, when he was called up by Ramón Menezes for the friendly against Morocco. On that occasion, he replaced Lucas Paquetá in the second half, but in the end, the team was defeated 2-1.

The Corinthians striker still hopes to be called up again. With the World Cup approaching, Yuri recognizes that he needs to show his best version to compete for a place on the final list. In a recent interview with the Spanish newspaper AS, he spoke about the moment and his expectations for the next call-up.

“I have until March to fight. I think I have time. I need to get back to my best form, to my peak, to find the best Yuri Alberto on the field again,” he said.

The March call-up will be the last before the World Cup and will include two important friendlies, against France and Croatia. Until then, Yuri Alberto is looking to improve his numbers and help Corinthians in the final commitments of the Brasileirão season and the semifinal of the Copa do Brasil.

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