The Brazilian squad called by Ramon Menezes has an average age of 24

Rafael Ribeiro / CBF
Andrey and Vitor Roque, winners of the U-20 South American Championship, were called up to the senior squad

or Brazilian team there will be an extremely new cast to duel against Moroccoscheduled for November 25, in Tangier, in the first friendly after World Cup 2022. From the list announced this Friday, 3, from Ramon Menezes, under-20 coach and interim senior coach, eight players are of Olympic age. According to the coach himself, the average age among those involved is 24 years old, with the striker Vitor Roque (Athletico-PR) the youngest, just turned 18. More experienced, on the other hand, is Weverton (Palmeiras), 35 years old – he and Casemiro (31) are the only ones over thirty. Winner of the South American Under-20 Championship earlier this month, the captain explained the purpose of the list in a press conference.

“I have made it very clear that I am a CBF employee. I am ready for all challenges, the president gave me this great opportunity. My first big challenge was South America. Conquest boosted my credibility here. I have always tried to convey to the athletes what it is like to wear the national team jersey and what I think about football. Based on this, we made a team that we tried to have another base, with 11 players who went to the Cup. Everyone who went to the World Cup can be part of that team. But at this moment, to give opportunities to young athletes, these players who have shown a very good performance in their clubs, playing in important championships and reaching the finals. Raphael Veiga always determined, technical player, great player. That’s why now is the opportunity”, commented Ramon Menezes.

“First of all, it is not easy to make a list of 23 athletes, given that we observed 52, 55 players. I know what a responsibility it is. We will face Morocco, a World Cup semi-finalist, a very prepared team. Looking for a balance for us, in assembling the list. I have the knowledge of under 20 athletes, players who already played in the main team of their clubs, who support the main team. That’s why you’re here. Give other athletes, eight of Olympic age, a chance. We could have more. We are leaving out Martinelli, who is of Olympic age. It’s the elections. Life is made by choice. I think that at the moment we have made the best choices to wear the jersey of the Brazilian national team”, added the interim coach. Without a substitute for Tite defined, CBF continues in search of a stranger, having Carlo Ancelottifrom Real Madrid, according to preference.

Age of selected players:

Goalkeepers: Ederson (29), Weverton (35) and Mycael (18).
Full-backs: Emerson Royal (24), Arthur (19), Alex Telles (30) and Renan Lodi (24).
Defenders: Militão (25), Marquinhos (28), Ibañez (24) and Robert Renan (19).
Midfielders: Casemiro (31), Lucas Paquetá (25), Raphael Veiga (27), André (21), Andrey (18) and João Gomes (20).
Forwards: Antony (23), Richarlison (25), Rodrygo (22), Rony (27), Vinicius Jr (22), Vitor Roque (18).