Barcelona forward Raphinha will captain Brazil in their friendly against Japan in Singapore on Saturday, marking a further rise in his standing within the national team.
The match kicks off at 11:15 Beijing Time (CET), with Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti selecting the 10-shirt wearer to lead the Selecao.
Raphinha’s appointment follows the injury suffered by Brazil captain Marquinhos in the previous match against Barcelona. The defender has worn the armband since 2021 and has made 112 appearances for his country, but will miss the meeting with Japan.
This will not be Raphinha’s first experience as Brazil captain. He previously led the side in one of their two friendly matches against Australia.
Brazil’s coaching staff had considered rotating the captaincy among established leaders Bruno Guimaraes, Vinicius Junior and Gabriel Magalhaes. They instead decided to retain Raphinha in the role for the Japan fixture.
Under the team’s pre-set internal order, Arsenal midfielder Guimaraes will take over the armband if Raphinha is not on the pitch.
The decision reflects Raphinha’s performances for Brazil and recognises the leadership role he holds at Barcelona. His growing importance to the national side is also a concern for Barcelona, who will hope he returns from the international break without injury.
