Neymar and Vinicius in Brazil Number 10 Debate

Fresh discussion has emerged around Brazil’s iconic number 10 shirt, with questions being raised over whether Neymar should continue wearing it or whether the responsibility should now pass to Vinícius Júnior.

Reports in Brazilian media recently suggested that Vinícius Júnior could be handed Brazil’s famous number 10 jersey, while Neymar might instead wear the number 13 shirt. However, it was later clarified that the squad numbers for the national team have not yet been officially finalised.

Despite that clarification, debate surrounding the issue has continued because Brazil’s number 10 shirt carries historic significance far beyond an ordinary squad number. It has long been regarded as one of the most recognisable symbols in Brazilian football history. Legendary players such as Pelé, Zico, Rivaldo, Ronaldinho and Kaká all wore the shirt during their international careers.

Neymar has regularly worn Brazil’s number 10 shirt since 2013 and has long been viewed as the modern successor to that tradition. During his time with the national team, he has remained one of Brazil’s central attacking figures across major international tournaments and qualification campaigns.

At the same time, Vinícius Júnior is increasingly being viewed as one of the leading figures of Brazil’s next generation. He first wore the number 10 shirt for Brazil in 2023 while Neymar was unavailable through injury. Since then, some supporters have argued that the time may have arrived for the shirt to move to a younger player expected to lead the national side in future competitions.

Even so, Neymar is still considered influential within the squad because of his experience and standing inside the dressing room. Teammates, including Raphinha, have publicly spoken about his leadership role and importance to the team environment.

The final decision regarding the shirt number is expected to rest with Brazil’s new head coach Carlo Ancelotti. If experience remains the priority, Neymar could continue wearing the number 10 shirt, while Vinícius Júnior may return to the number 7 jersey.

Should Neymar wear the number 10 shirt at the next FIFA World Cup, he would also achieve a notable milestone. He would become the only Brazilian player to wear Brazil’s number 10 shirt at four different World Cup tournaments.