Corinthians academy graduate keen to earn Brazil recall | OneFootball

The defender Murillo, aged 23, who was developed in the Corinthians youth academy, gave an exclusive interview to TNT Sports last week and was asked about the criticism he faced for his sole appearance for the Brazilian National Team in the friendly against Argentina in March 2025, during the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers. On that day, the Brazilian team, then coached by Dorival Júnior, was defeated 4-1 in Buenos Aires.

“Of course, the game against Argentina was very bad. We know the magnitude of the Brazil vs. Argentina classic. But people also need to understand that we won't always be at our best. And just because I had a bad game doesn't mean I'm a bad player. Just because I had a good game doesn't mean I'm the best defender in the world.”

Photo: Rafael Ribeiro/CBF

“Of course, we need to have a sequence to achieve consolidation. And we know that consolidation in the Brazilian National Team is very difficult, especially with the media we have. Because it's a very strong and sometimes very negative media. It's complicated to talk about it. I leave that aside,” the defender began.

Following this, the 23-year-old athlete emphasized that he still dreams of an opportunity with the Brazilian National Team, now coached by the Italian Carlo Ancelotti, before the World Cup. The last call-up before the world's most important nations tournament will be on the upcoming March 16, Monday, aiming for the friendlies against Croatia and France on March 26 and 31 in the United States.

“I would be very happy if my name came up in this call-up, an opportunity before the World Cup. I would be able to show Ancelotti my potential up close. Because I know that I and those who watch can see that. But, thank God, I'm very calm about it. I believe everything has its time. But I'm hopeful. If the call-up comes, I'll be very happy and give my best. If it doesn't, we keep working so that in the future, we can have a spot. And if it's not now, in four years, I will be much more prepared. I will be able to represent much better,” he said.

Murillo was one of the great revelations from the Corinthians youth categories in recent years. The defender had a meteoric rise in the professional squad and made his debut in April 2023, quickly becoming a regular starter for the team. In total, he played 27 matches wearing the Corinthians jersey. In August of the same year, the defender was transferred to Nottingham Forest, England, for 12 million euros (R$ 64.4 million at the time) and two million euros (R$ 10.7 million) in performance-related bonuses. At the English club, he is a regular starter and has scored four goals and provided two assists in 105 matches.

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