Raphinha takes Neymar's No. 10 jersey; Vinicius, Estevao, and Endrick to spearhead Brazil's attack in the new cycle.

Following Neymar's departure from international football, one of the biggest questions was: who would inherit Brazil's iconic number 10 jersey? The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) has now answered that question. During the first international break of the new World Cup cycle, Raphinha has been handed Neymar's number 10 shirt.

Raphinha, who wore the number 11 jersey, has now switched to number 10. Estêvão has taken over his old number 11 shirt, while Endrick—who wore number 19—will now wear the number 9 jersey. These changes come in the absence of Matheus Cunha.

Raphinha: Neymar's Successor

Brazil's number 10 jersey is more than just a number; it carries the legacy of legends like Pelé, Zico, Ronaldinho, and Kaká. Neymar had long been the face of this jersey. He had also etched his name alongside Pelé as the only other Brazilian to wear the number 10 shirt across four World Cups.

Handing this jersey to Raphinha for the new cycle is, therefore, significant.

His recent performances are a major factor behind this decision. At the start of this season with Barcelona, ​​Raphinha has emerged as a pivotal figure in the attack. His role has expanded beyond just scoring goals; he is now instrumental in creating chances for teammates and injecting pace into the attack.

Brazil sees these very qualities aligning with the tradition of the number 10 jersey.

Vinícius, Estêvão, Endrick, and Raphinha Together

Carlo Ancelotti is also experimenting with several stars in Brazil's new-look attack. The starting lineup for the first friendly match against Australia features Raphinha, Estêvão, Endrick, and Vinícius Júnior in the attacking line. The CBF has confirmed that right-back Matheuzinho and center-back Vitor Reis will make their international debuts in this match.

In the starting XI:

Hugo Souza; Matheuzinho, Marquinhos, Vitão, Douglas Santos; Danilo Santos, Bruno Guimarães; Raphinha, Estêvão, Endrick, Vinícius Júnior.

This match holds special significance for Endrick; it marks his first start in Brazil's starting XI under Ancelotti.

Major changes to jersey numbers in the new cycle

Beyond Raphinha taking the number 10 and Estêvão the number 11, there have been other changes to the squad's jersey numbers. Endrick is wearing number 9, Douglas Santos number 6, and Danilo Santos number 5. Meanwhile, Bruno Guimarães (8), Vinícius (7), and Marquinhos (4) are retaining their previous numbers.

In the CBF's roster for the previous World Cup, Neymar wore number 10, Raphinha 11, Endrick 19, and Casemiro 5. Some of these numbers have now changed for the new cycle.

First test since the World Cup begins today

Brazil begins its new journey following the 2026 World Cup with a match against Australia. The two teams will face off on September 25 at Queensland Country Bank Stadium in Townsville at 4:00 PM Bangladesh time. Brazil will then play Australia again in Brisbane on September 29.

Subsequently, on October 3, the five-time world champions will play an international match against India for the first time at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata.

Neymar is absent, and the number 10 jersey has changed hands. Just how much of an impact Raphinha can make in that iconic shirt will be one of the first major tests for this new Brazil side.