Corinthians end national team drought with surprise Brazil call-up | OneFootball

Goalkeeper Hugo Souza has been named in the Brazil squad for the first time as a Corinthians player, ending the club’s 15-month wait for a senior national team call-up. The 25-year-old’s inclusion, announced by new Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti, was met with celebration within the Corinthians squad during their preparations for their Copa Sudamericana fixture in Argentina.

Hugo learned of his summons at Confins Airport while gathered with teammates ahead of their flight to Buenos Aires. The squad marked the occasion by gifting him a Brazil retro shirt amid cheers and congratulations. Clearly moved by the moment, Hugo expressed his gratitude: “I’m still shaking, to be honest. I’m really happy, it’s to crown this incredible time I’m living here. Thank God, my family, and everyone who supported and believed in me—Corinthians, the fans, everyone who reached out to help me. My heart is full of gratitude.”

His selection signals a return to national team duty nearly seven years after Hugo’s previous involvement with the Brazil setup, which came as a Flamengo youth prospect in a pair of post-2018 World Cup friendlies. He did not play in those matches and, since then, Brazil’s goalkeeping call-ups have evolved, with Cássio (also ex-Corinthians) last representing the club at international level during the 2018 World Cup and 2019 Copa América.

Ancelotti, overseeing his first Brazil squad list, called up Hugo Souza alongside Alisson (Liverpool) and Bento (Al-Nassr) for upcoming fixtures against Ecuador and Paraguay. The matches will take place on June 5 in Guayaquil and June 10 at Neo Química Arena, Corinthians’ home ground—a detail not lost on the club as their stadium prepares to host the national team.

Significantly for Corinthians, Hugo’s international duties will not lead to immediate club absences. The team plays Vitória in the league before the Brazil call-up period, resuming domestic action only after the national team fixtures. This scheduling quirk allows Hugo to enjoy the honor without missing Corinthians matches during this window.

His selection comes at a time when few domestically-based players have broken into the Brazil squad under recent coaches, emphasizing the regard in which Ancelotti holds him after consistent performances in São Paulo. For Corinthians, it ends a drought without a Brazilian national team player since Yuri Alberto’s inclusion for a friendly in March 2023.

While Corinthians focus on continental competition in Argentina, Hugo Souza’s return to the Seleção stands out as a milestone for both the player and the club, reflecting his rise and the recognition of form shown in recent months.

Source: Globo, UOL