Raphinha to Captain Brazil Against Japan as Marquinhos Misses Out
Carlo Ancelotti has picked Raphinha to captain Brazil against Japan in Marquinhos' absence. See why the Barcelona star got the armband and who is next in line.
Carlo Ancelotti has settled on Raphinha as Brazil's captain for the upcoming meeting with Japan, with regular skipper Marquinhos unavailable for the fixture, according to reports in the Spanish press.
Why Ancelotti trusts Raphinha
It will not be the Barcelona winger's first spell leading the Seleção, as he already wore the armband against Australia. The decision is said to reflect the standing he has built inside the squad and the way he conducts himself around the group, as well as the leadership responsibilities he carries as a Barcelona captain.
For the Italian coach, the move signals clear confidence in a player who has become a central figure both in the dressing room and in Brazil's attack. With Marquinhos, the Paris Saint-Germain defender who usually leads the side, missing out, Ancelotti needed a natural replacement, and Raphinha fits that role. The reason behind Marquinhos' absence has not been made clear.
Gabriel Magalhães next in line
The reports also shed light on Brazil's captaincy pecking order. Should Raphinha be unavailable, the armband would pass to Arsenal centre-back Gabriel Magalhães, underlining his growing influence within the national team setup under Ancelotti.
With the leadership question now settled, attention turns to how Brazil line up against a Japan side that is always a tough test on the international stage.
Follow Brazil vs Japan with us and make your prediction on Melbet: simply register or log in with the Melbet button below the article.
Enter Melbet →
