Brazil call-ups shock Premier League as two uncapped stars named for friendlies
Brazil manager Dorival Júnior has named two uncapped Premier League forwards, Igor Thiago and Rayan, for upcoming friendlies against Spain and England. The selections mark a bold shift in tactical focus ahead of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Brazil’s national team manager Dorival Júnior has stunned the Premier League by including two uncapped forwards, Brentford’s 21-year-old Igor Thiago and Bournemouth’s 23-year-old Rayan, in the squad for next month’s friendlies against Spain and England. The selections represent the first time uncapped players have been called up since 2021, signaling a high-risk, high-reward strategy ahead of next year’s World Cup qualifiers.
Key Points
- ✅ Igor Thiago (Brentford) and Rayan (Bournemouth) called up for the first time
- ⚡ First uncapped Premier League players selected since 2021
- 💡 Matches against Spain and England on November 16 and 19
Sources within the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) confirm the duo will train with the senior squad in Rio de Janeiro this week before traveling to Madrid and London. Igor Thiago, the 2023-24 Championship Player of the Season, has scored 14 goals in 32 appearances for Brentford this campaign. Rayan, meanwhile, has netted six times in 15 Premier League games for Bournemouth, including a brace in last weekend’s 3-1 win over Brighton.
The call-ups come amid growing pressure on Dorival Júnior to justify his position after Brazil’s disappointing Copa América exit in July. The 54-year-old coach has faced criticism for over-relying on players from Europe’s top leagues, with just 12 of the 26-man squad based domestically. By contrast, Igor Thiago and Rayan represent homegrown talent from mid-table English clubs, a deliberate attempt to diversify the squad’s profile and inject fresh energy.
| Player | Club | Position | 2024-25 Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Igor Thiago | Brentford | Forward | 14 (Championship) |
| Rayan | Bournemouth | Forward | 6 (Premier League) |
Brentford manager Thomas Frank admitted the call-up caught his team off-guard. “We were aware the interest was there, but to see it confirmed less than 48 hours before the camp starts is remarkable,” Frank told reporters. “Igor is a player of immense quality, but this is a huge step for him.” At Bournemouth, manager Andoni Iraola echoed the sentiment, describing Rayan’s rise as “exceptional” and a testament to the club’s youth development.
💡 Pro Tip
Call-ups like these often signal a player’s readiness for the next level. Agents and clubs should prepare for increased media scrutiny and potential transfer interest if the duo performs well in friendlies.
Brazil’s previous uncapped Premier League call-up came in 2021 when Manchester City’s Gabriel Jesus was first included ahead of World Cup qualifiers. Since then, the CBF has prioritized experience, selecting only players with prior senior team appearances. The gamble on Igor Thiago and Rayan underscores Dorival Júnior’s confidence in their ability to adapt quickly to international football’s demands.
📋 By The Numbers
- 12 — Number of uncapped players called up by Brazil in the last decade
- 0 — Times a Premier League player has been capped in their first call-up since 2021
The friendlies serve as final preparation before Brazil’s World Cup qualifiers resume in March. A strong performance from Igor Thiago and Rayan could force Dorival Júnior to reconsider his squad-building philosophy for the tournament. For now, the Brazilian public and media are divided—some hail the move as bold and visionary, while others question the timing given the high stakes of qualification.
- November 14 — Squad arrives in Rio de Janeiro for training camp
- November 16 — Friendly against Spain in Madrid (8 p.m. local time)
- November 19 — Friendly against England in London (7:45 p.m. local time)
The CBF has not announced whether the duo will feature in either match, but their inclusion in the 26-man squad suggests at least one will make his debut. If they do, it will be the first time two uncapped Premier League players have started for Brazil in the same match since 2010.