The Brazilian Football Confederation announced the squad numbers for the Copa America, confirming that Real Madrid’s Rodrygo Goes will wear the number 10 for Neymar, who is seriously injured. Carlo Ancelotti’s player has already worn the jersey in previous call-ups, although whether he will do so again at this summer’s tournament in the United States was up in the air.
Rodrygo finished the season crowned Champions League winner and now faces the Copa America with the same goal, as one of the favourites for glory. Carlo Ancelotti’s player at Real Madrid, who wears the number 11 when he wears the ‘Merengue’ shirt, has worn 21, 17, 23, 21 and 11 with the Brazilian national team, but this summer he will keep the No. 10 that he has been wearing for the last few months.
The reason for this change lies in the serious injury that has sidelined Neymar. The former PSG player ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament shortly after signing for Al Hilal, so he was unable to continue his adventure in the Saudi Arabian League or appear in the ‘Canarinha’ lists to face Colombia, Argentina, England or Spain.
It was expected that the iconic number would fall on his back, but it was not until the ‘Canarinha’ confirmed it on their social media that fans learned of the formal endorsement of this decision. For the winger, it could be the ideal time to assert himself on the international stage. He is usually analysed alongside Vinicius in terms of how well they get on at Concha Espina, but, if he shines for his country, he could set himself apart a little more.
Rodrygo already wore the No. 10 jersey two months ago in Brazil’s most recent call-up, and he will wear it again in the United States. The tournament kicks off against Costa Rica, Paraguay and Colombia, who are the other members of the ‘Canarinha’ group. Dorival Junior’s side are favourites to book their ticket to the qualifiers and, before challenging their main rivals, the ‘Cafeteros’, they will have a couple of games to get themselves in the right frame of mind.
