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Rio de Janeiro: A debate erupted over the iconic No. 10 jersey of the Brazil football team, following reports that Neymar could be switched to the No. 13 shirt.
According to reports, the Brazil FIFA World Cup 2026 squad members have not yet received their official jersey numbers, but discussions are underway about the iconic jersey in Brazilian football history.
Brazil’s No. 10 jersey is not a number; it carries historic importance in world football, having been worn by legends including Pelé, Zico, Rivaldo, Ronaldinho, and Kaka.
Neymas has worn the jersey regularly since June 2013 and is widely regarded as the successor to Brazil’s legendary No.10 jersey.
However, since Vincius Jr. wore it in June 2023 during Neymar’s injury absence, many supporters felt the winger as the next leader of the national side.
The jersey is becoming the centerpiece of discussion with the arrival of coach Carlo Ancelotti, and Neymar and Vinicius Jr. are expected to play key roles in the squad.
Several Brazilian players, including Raphinha, have publicly highlighted Neymar’s importance inside the dressing room, strengthening the argument for the veteran forward to retain the famous jersey.
Neymar is likely to keep the No. 10 shirt if Brazil chooses to follow the principle of seniority. If that is the case, then Vincius Jr. could wear the No. 7 jersey that he has previously worn for Real Madrid and Brazil
Notably, if Neymar plays in the upcoming FIFA World Cup wearing the iconic jersey, then he would become the only Brazilian player ever to wear that number in four different FIFA World Cups, surpassing Pelé.
For the unversed, Pelé himself received the No. 10 jersey by chance during the 1958 FIFA World Cup after Brazil reportedly failed to submit squad numbers to FIFA, leading the governing body to assign jersey numbers at random.
