Corinthians’ No 1 eyes Brazil debut as starter in friendly against Japan

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Central do Timão

·12 Oktober 2025

Corinthians’ No 1 eyes Brazil debut as starter in friendly against Japan

By Fabio Luigi / Central do Timão Editorial Team

Next Tuesday, October 14, at 7:30 AM (Brasília time), the Brazilian National Team will face Japan in a friendly match at the National Stadium in Tokyo, aiming for the 2026 World Cup. After defeating Korea 5-0, the Brazilian team seeks to close the two games with two victories.

The match is expected to mark the debut of goalkeeper Hugo Souza from Corinthians as the starting goalkeeper for the Brazilian National Team. The last time a goalkeeper from the Alvinegro was a starter in a Brazil match was on February 6, 2002. On that occasion, wearing the Corinthians jersey, Dida was on the field as a starter in the Canarinho's 1-0 victory over Saudi Arabia (friendly match).

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Photo: Rafael Ribeiro/CBF

In an interview with CBF TV, Hugo Souza did not hide his anxiety about debuting as Brazil's starting goalkeeper. This fact was revealed by coach Carlo Ancelotti in recent press conferences when asked about the subject: “The expectation is through the roof, in the best possible way. It is the realization of a dream. I have worked my whole life to reach this moment. I thank Ancelotti, Taffarel, and the coaching staff for the opportunity. Now it's about getting on the field and doing what I know, what brought me here. There's that anxiety and butterflies in the stomach, which is natural. May it be the first of many. I am very happy with this chance,” he began.

He continued by mentioning that the probable debut is the realization of a personal and family dream: “We were focused on Korea, but now we are focused on the next game. We studied the opposing team a lot. They will provide everything we need to enter the field and achieve another victory. We are gathering a lot of information to be as prepared as possible. For me, it's not just a friendly match; it's the realization of a dream for my family, my father, and the people who believed in me. I will gather these good energies and take them onto the field.”

Hugo Souza has been instrumental since joining Corinthians in July 2024, being one of the team leaders in their surge in the last Brasileirão – moving from the relegation zone to securing a spot in the preliminary phase of the 2025 Conmebol Libertadores – finishing seventh with 56 points.

In 2025, he was decisive in his only achievement with the Corinthians jersey so far: the Paulista Championship, against Palmeiras, in Itaquera. In the return match, the Alvinegro defended a 1-0 advantage built in the first leg, and the number 1 saved a penalty from midfielder Raphael Veiga in stoppage time, practically securing the Corinthians title and ending a six-year title drought.

In total, he has played 82 matches for Corinthians – all as a starter – with 41 wins, 22 draws, and 19 losses – nearly 60% success rate.

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