Rubens Lopes grateful for role as Seleção delegation chief

Rubens Lopes expressed gratitude for his role as head of the Brazil National Team delegation. In an interview with CBF TV, the president of the Rio de Janeiro State Football Federation thanked the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) for the invitation and highlighted the warm welcome he received from the players and coaching staff.

Lopes emphasized that this role is a significant honor, marking the beginning of a new cycle leading up to the 2030 World Cup. He specifically thanked the group for both their invitation and the warm welcome they extended to him.

Of the 26 players selected for the friendlies against Australia and India, four are from Rio clubs - Danilo Santos of Botafogo, Martinelli of Fluminense, Samuel Lino and Pedro from Flamengo. The delegation also includes players from Vasco, such as Andrey Santos, Douglas Luiz, and Rayan, as well as Hugo Souza and Vinicius Jr. from Flamengo, and Jair and Matheuzinho, who previously played for Botafogo and Flamengo respectively. Bruno Guimarães, who was born in Rio, rounds out the squad.

Lopes light-heartedly joked about the possibility of the entire squad being comprised of Rio players, stating that if it were up to him, there would be 25 Rio players. As head of delegation, Lopes represents the CBF presidency and board in institutional engagements and daily operations of the Brazil National Team. The team will play two friendlies against Australia and one against India.