After Neymar’s Retirement, Raphinha Begins Brazil’s New No.10 Era

Xtratime Webdesk: Brazil are entering a new chapter after the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and one of the biggest symbols of that change is the iconic No.10 shirt. Barcelona forward Raphinha has been handed the famous jersey previously worn by Neymar as Brazil confirmed their squad numbers for the upcoming friendlies against Australia and India. Real Madrid youngster Endrick, meanwhile, will wear the No.9 shirt.

The change comes at an important moment for the Selecao. Neymar, Brazil’s long-time No. 10, announced the end of his international career following the World Cup, leaving one of the most recognisable shirts in football without its previous owner.

Raphinha will now carry that number as Carlo Ancelotti begins reshaping the national team for the next cycle. The Barcelona winger is among the experienced players retained by Ancelotti, alongside Vinicius Junior, Bruno Guimaraes, Marquinhos and Gabriel Magalhaes.

The announcement came ahead of Brazil’s first post-World Cup friendly against Australia in Townsville on September 25. Ancelotti had earlier announced his 26-man squad and addressed the changes during a press conference following the squad announcement. Brazil will face Australia again in Brisbane on September 29 before travelling to Kolkata for their first-ever meeting with India on October 3.

The No. 10 shirt is not the only notable change. Endrick has inherited the No.9 jersey, while Estêvão has been assigned No.11 and Vinicius Junior retains No.7.

For Raphinha, wearing the No.10 is more than a squad-number change. It places him in a shirt associated with some of Brazil’s greatest attacking stars, while also marking the beginning of a different phase for the five-time world champions.

With Australia first on the schedule, all eyes will now be on how Raphinha handles the responsibility attached to Brazil’s most famous number.