In a move reflecting the significant development of Saudi football, three players from the Saudi Professional League (SPL) have been officially called up to the Brazilian national team. The announcement came on Monday evening when Italian coach Carlo Ancelotti revealed the official squad for the upcoming March international break. These call-ups are part of Brazil's intensive preparations for the 2026 World Cup, and they will play two high-profile friendlies against France and Croatia on March 26 and 31 in the United States.
A historical development: From European stadiums to shining in Saudi stadiums
Historically, joining the Brazilian national team, one of the most prestigious in football history, was almost exclusively limited to stars playing professionally in major European leagues or the Brazilian domestic league. However, the global football landscape has recently undergone a radical transformation. Thanks to massive sports investments and strategic plans to develop Saudi Arabian sports, the Saudi Professional League has become a major destination for the world's top players. This historic shift has proven that playing in the Middle East is no longer an obstacle to representing major national teams; rather, it has become a highly competitive environment that contributes to maintaining the physical and technical fitness of international players.
The impact of the presence of the Roshan trio on the regional and international sports scene
the Saudi Pro League trio in the squad carries significant weight and has a multifaceted impact. Locally and regionally, this event enhances the market value and marketing potential of the Saudi Pro League, sending a clear message of reassurance to international stars that their move to the Kingdom will not negatively affect their international careers. Internationally, it compels the coaching staff of national teams worldwide to closely monitor Saudi matches. The list includes prominent names active in Saudi football: Roger Ibanez, the solid defender for Al-Ahli; Pinto, the goalkeeper for Al-Nassr; and Fabinho, the star midfielder for Al-Ittihad, highlighting the high level of competition they face weekly.
Samba squad details and key absences
On another note, the squad was missing veteran star Neymar da Silva due to injury, while striker Igor Thiago, who plays for English club Brentford, received his first call-up to the national team. The full Brazilian squad includes a selection of top players across all positions, and is as follows:
- Goalkeepers: Alisson Becker, Pinto, Ederson.
- Defense line: Wesley, Alex Sandro, Danilo, Douglas Santos, Marquinhos, Gabriel, Leo Pereira, Bremer, Roger Ibanez.
- Midfield: Casemiro, Fabinho, Andre Santos, Danilo, Gabriel Sara.
- Forwards: Vinicius Junior, Rafinha Diaz, Gabriel Martinelli, Matheus Cunha, Luiz Henrique, Andric, Igor Tiago, Ryan, Joao Pedro.
This step is not just a routine call-up of players, but rather an international recognition of the advanced level that the Saudi League has reached, which has become a force to be reckoned with in the equation of world football.
