Newcastle United midfielder Joelinton has received a notable recognition as he finds himself among the five uncapped players named in Brazil's squad for upcoming friendlies against Guinea and Senegal, according to the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF).
The 26-year-old has been a standout performer for Newcastle this season, playing a pivotal role in the club's impressive fourth-place finish in the Premier League, securing their spot in the 2023-24 UEFA Champions League. Joining him in the squad is his Magpies teammate Bruno Guimaraes, as reported by Xinhua.
The list of newcomers also includes Vanderson, the right-back from Monaco, Nino, the central defender from Fluminense, Malcom, the forward from Zenit Saint-Petersburg, and Ayrton Lucas, the full-back from Flamengo.
Brazil is set to face Guinea in Barcelona on June 17, followed by a match against Senegal in Lisbon three days later.
Once again, the national under-20 team boss, Ramon Menezes, will take charge of the team as the CBF continues its search for a permanent head coach. Menezes assumed the role of interim manager in January after Tite's departure following the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Leading Brazil's attack in the upcoming friendlies will be the dynamic duo from Real Madrid, Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo, as Paris Saint-Germain forward Neymar is sidelined with an injury.
Menezes expressed his intention to utilize these friendlies as an opportunity to prepare for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in South America, which are scheduled to commence in September.
Brazil's campaign will kick off with a home fixture against Bolivia, followed by an away clash with Peru. With the inclusion of promising talents like Joelinton and the other uncapped players, Brazil aims to maintain its winning momentum and build a strong foundation for future success in international competitions.
Brazil squad:
Goalkeepers: Alisson (Liverpool), Ederson (Manchester City), Weverton (Palmeiras).
Defenders: Alex Telles (Sevilla), Ayrton Lucas (Flamengo), Danilo (Juventus), Vanderson (Monaco), Ibanez (Roma), Eder Militao (Real Madrid), Marquinhos (PSG), Nino (Fluminense).
Midfielders: Andre (Fluminense), Bruno Guimaraes (Newcastle), Casemiro (Manchester United), Joelinton (Newcastle).
Forwards: Lucas Paqueta (West Ham), Malcolm (Zenit); Pedro (Flamengo), Richarlison (Tottenham), Rodrygo (Real Madrid), Rony (Palmeiras), Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid), Raphael Veiga (Palmeiras).