The current, defending champions of Olympic football step into the ring: Brazil!
Selecao wants to keep its crown as the best football team in the Olympic village this summer and pick up the torch from Neymar’s winning spot-kick back in 2016.
The football-soaked nation takes every competition they participate in seriously, and this can be noted in their squad selection for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Lots of faces presented at the Copa America 2021 are also involved this time, with many wanting to make up for it last defeat against Argentina.
But which stars should start for Brazil?
Continues strong / Allsport Co./Getty Images
Santos (GK) – The 31-year-old has spent his entire career at Athletico Paranaense, but he will represent Brazil at an international level this summer. A fantastic achievement.
Dani Alves (RB) – WHAT?! Alves still walking ?! That’s right, the 38-year-old is still in his prime (sort of), and he can do a job anywhere on the field for Selecao. Simply extraordinary.
Diego Carlos (CB) – Sevilla star Carlos should line up in the heart of Brazil’s backline this summer and add an even more elite experience together with the evergreen Alves.
Nino (CB) – The Fluminense man hopes to make a big impression this summer, after never making an appearance for senior Brazil. Now’s your chance, son.
Guilherme Arana (LB) – A third Sevilla representative joins the backline, but just like Alves, Arana has moved on to new pastures. The back has returned to Brazil, where he feels most comfortable.
Reinier hopes to impress / Eurasia Sport Images / Getty Images
Douglas Luiz (CM) – The Aston Villa man has really grown into an excellent midfielder during his time at Villa Park, and he hopes to be able to translate that form into the international scene.
Bruno Guimaraes (CM) – Lyons winter signing 2020 has started this year and played an important role in their dynamic midfield. Keep an eye on this guy.
Reinier (AM) – Funny fact: Reinier’s name reads exactly the same if you spell it backwards. Let’s hope he and his teammates work in a similarly symmetrical nature.
A permanent match in this team / Alexandre Schneider / Getty Images
Malcom (RW) – The Brazilian winger’s career has not quite turned out as we expected when he joined Barcelona in 2018, but here Malcom hopes to get another big move in the future.
Richarlison (ST) – Everton’s captain was key to Brazil’s run to the Copa America final, and Richarlison will strive to play an equally important role in their Olympic campaign.
Gabriel Martinelli (LW) – Arsenal’s prodigies have rarely had the opportunity to show what he can do in the Premier League, but Gooners will watch the Olympics with interest to see if he really is the future of their forward line.
