Vinicius Returns To Brazil's Squad, Neymar Absent For Friendship Match

Vinicius Junior is again called up by the Brazilian national team for two friendly matches in Asia (Instagram/@vinijr).

JAKARTA - Real Madrid winger Vinicius Junior will return with Brazil's National Team (Timnas) for two friendly matches in Asia in October 2025.

Coach Carlo Ancelotti announced his squad on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, local time, in Rio de Janeiro for the match against South Korea and Japan.

The Neymar star striker is absent due to injury, this time in his left thigh.

Vinicius did not play in Brazil's last two matches in the 2026 World Cup Conmebol Zone (South America) Qualifiers in September 2025.

Other players who were sidelined from injury were Raphinha from Barcelona, Marquinhos from Paris Saint-Germain, and Alisson Becker from Liverpool.

The first friendly match will take place in Seoul on October 10, 2025, and four days later in Tokyo.

Brazil's national team squad

Goalkeeper: Ederson (Fenerbahce), Bento (Al Nassr), Hugo Souza (Corinthians)

Defenders: Carlos Augusto (Inter Milan), Eder Militao (Real Madrid), Caio Henrique (Monaco), Vanderson (Monaco), Douglas Santos (Zenit), Fabricio Bruno (Cruzeiro), Gabriel Magalhaes (Arsenal), Beraldo (Paris Saint-Germain), Wesley (Roma)

Midfielders: Andre (Wolverhampton), Bruno Guimaraes, Joelinton (both Newcastle), Casemiro (Manchester United), Joao Gomes (Wolverhampton), and Lucas Paqueta (West Ham)

Attackers: Estevoo (Chelsea), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal), Igor Jesus (Nottingham Forest), Luiz Henrique (Zenit), Matheus Cunha (Manchester United), Richarlison (Tottenham), Rodrygo, and Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid)