Barcelona superstar to have a leading role in former Real Madrid coach’s setup in Brazil | OneFootball

Brazil will be gearing up for a journey, without a native coach for the first time, as the newly appointed Carlo Ancelotti looks to restore the nation’s lost glory in the world of football.

Ancelotti is set to take over the Brazilian national team in the summer, once he leaves Real Madrid at the end of the season.

The Italian will have a big task ahead of him as he looks to properly assess Brazil’s assets heading into the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Raphinha to play a key role

However, it appears Ancelotti has already identified a key player in his system, in the form of Barcelona sensation Raphinha, reports Diario SPORT.

The winger, who is reportedly close to reaching an agreement with Barça, has been in sensational form this season, especially in big games, including Ancelotti’s Real Madrid.

Raphinha was directly involved in seven of the 16 goals Barcelona scored across four Clasico victories this season, scoring five and assisting twice. His performances have not gone unnoticed.

Raphinha has been phenomenal for Barcelona this season (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

The report suggests Ancelotti is expected to build his attack around a dynamic front three of Raphinha, Vinicius Junior, and Rodrygo.

With Neymar out due to injury and no traditional number 9 in the lineup, the Barcelona forward could be handed even more responsibility, either operating from the right flank or in a central creative role behind the Madrid duo.

The Italian coach reportedly had an encouraging exchange with Raphinha after the Copa del Rey final, with Brazilian media suggesting that was when he began sharing his vision for the national team.

Raphinha’s rise in the Seleção has already begun. During a difficult period under former coach Dorival Junior, the Barça star emerged as a leader in Neymar’s absence, outperforming even Vinicius in qualifiers.