Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior was among 23 players included in Brazil’s squad on Sunday for friendlies against Guinea and Senegal next month, his first national team call up after being racially assaulted in a match against Valencia earlier this month.
The games against the two African countries–Guinea and Senegal– are part of an anti-racism campaign by Brazil in support of 22-year-old Vinicius Jr, who last week faced racial remarks from supporters -the 10th time this season he has been harassed in LaLiga.
Five-time world champions Brazil will meet Guinea in Barcelona on June 17 and Senegal in Lisbon three days later.
The team announced by acting Brazil manager Ramon Menezes also comprises four players who have been called up for the first time, including Newcastle United midfielder Joelinton.
“There is always room in the national team for players performing well,” Menezes, who leads the Under-20 squad now playing at the World Cup in Argentina, told a press conference.
“But you’ll notice that in every position there are players who played at the World Cup, which is important so they can provide support for those who are being called up for the first time.”
Defenders Vanderson, Nino and Ayrton Lucas are the other players called up for the first time.
Menezes has been acting manager since Tite quit the national squad following the World Cup. The Brazilian FA has been eyeing Real Madrid’s Carlo Ancelotti to assume the role, but the Italian has declared he will fulfill the remaining year of his club deal.
Squad:
Goalkeepers: Alisson (Liverpool), Ederson (Manchester City), Weverton (Palmeiras)
Defenders: Danilo (Juventus), Vanderson (Monaco), Alex Telles (Sevilla), Ayrton Lucas (Flamengo), Eder Militao (Real Madrid), Marquinhos (Paris St Germain), Ibanez (Roma), Nino (Fluminense)
Midfielders: Bruno Guimaraes, Joelinton (both Newcastle United), Andre (Fluminense), Casemiro (Manchester United), Lucas Paqueta (West Ham United), Raphael Veiga (Palmeiras)
Forwards: Malcom (Zenit), Pedro (Flamengo), Richarlison (Tottenham Hotspur), Rony (Palmeiras), Rodrygo, Vinicius Junior (both Real Madrid)