Raphinha Set to Lead Brazil Against Japan in Upcoming Friendly

Barcelona forward Raphinha is set to take on a new leadership role with the Brazil national team. With regular captain Marquinhos sidelined by injury, the winger could captain Brazil in their upcoming friendly against Japan.

Brazil will play two friendlies against Japan and Singapore during the November international break. Raphinha could wear the captain’s armband in Saturday’s match against Japan, according to a report by Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo.

Marquinhos sustained an injury to his right thigh during Barcelona’s Champions League match against Paris Saint-Germain, making him unlikely to feature in the upcoming fixture. The defender has served as Brazil’s captain since 2021.

Several players, including Raphinha, Bruno Guimarães, Vinícius Júnior and Gabriel Magalhães, were considered for the captaincy in Marquinhos’s absence. However, Brazil’s coaching staff have reportedly chosen Raphinha. If he is not on the pitch, Bruno Guimarães will take over the captain’s responsibilities.

This will not be Raphinha’s first experience as Brazil captain. He previously led the national team in one of their two matches against Australia. If appointed captain against Japan, the responsibility will add another significant chapter to his international career.