Vitor Reis cites Brazil youth stint and Europe rise to reach senior side | OneFootball

Center-back Vitor Reis did not hide his happiness after receiving his first call-up to Brazil’s senior national team. In an interview with CBF TV, he celebrated the chance to be where he had always dreamed of being and to play alongside world-renowned players.

“It’s the fulfillment of a dream. They are players I always dreamed of being close to and learning from. I’m enjoying it a lot, taking in as much information as possible so I can grow and learn,” he said.

Vitor Reis during training with the Brazilian National Team in OrlandoCredits: Rafael Ribeiro/CBF

Born in 2006, Vitor Reis became used to wearing the famous yellow shirt through call-ups to Brazil’s youth national teams. He played for the U-20s and built his strongest track record with the U-17s, where he captained his age group, won the 2023 South American U-17 Championship, and played in the FIFA U-17 World Cup.

“The call-ups I had at youth level were very important. We already face other national teams and start learning the mindset we need to have in tournaments like the South American Championship and the World Cup. I learned a lot about what the national team is and what it represents. I believe I bring a lot of what I learned there with me here,” he emphasized.

The 20-year-old defender came through Palmeiras’ youth academy, the club where he stood out before being signed by England’s Manchester City in January 2025. Since August, he has been playing on loan for Spain’s Girona, where he has made 27 appearances this season, along with one goal and one assist, and he says he has already improved a great deal.

“I’ve already learned a lot and I can learn much more. I believe European football is at the highest possible level. Every player has to be very prepared and has to prepare a lot, because the matches are very complicated, very difficult, and every game is played at a high level,” he said.

Called up to Brazil’s senior national team, Vitor Reis won the 2023 South American U-17 ChampionshipCredits: Rafael Ribeiro/CBF

Young and from São José dos Campos in the state of São Paulo, he is seen as one of Brazilian football’s biggest prospects, and the opportunity he received in the last call-up before the final World Cup squad put him among the names in contention to be part of the tournament.

“I’m handling it very calmly. I had the opportunity in the last call-up and I could, yes, be on the list, but I know it’s difficult. I’m doing my job, making the most of it, and trying to show what I can do,” he concluded.

Vitor Reis is one of the options for Brazil’s friendly against Croatia at 9 p.m. Brasília time this Tuesday (31) at Camping World Stadium in Orlando.

Vitor Reis captained Brazil to the 2023 South American U-17 titleCredits: Rafael Ribeiro/CBF

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