End of an Era: Raphinha Inherits Brazil No. 10 Shirt from Neymar
Last update: September 26, 2026
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For 15 years, Brazil's No. 10 belonged to one man. From today, it belongs to another.
As the Seleção turn the page after a disappointing World Cup, Barcelona star Raphinha has officially stepped into the biggest shoes in world football.
Well, it's official. The shirt that made Pelé immortal has a new owner.
The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) confirmed on Thursday that Raphinha will wear Brazil's iconic No. 10 shirt for the upcoming international window, taking over from Neymar Jr following his retirement from international football.
As first reported by transfer guru Fabrizio Romano on X — "OFFICIAL: Raphinha, Brazil’s new number 10 after Neymar Jr's international retirement" — the announcement was made as Brazil released its squad numbers for the friendlies against Australia and India.
If you grew up watching Brazil, you know the No. 10 isn't just a shirt. It's a lineage. It's Pelé winning three World Cups in it. It's Zico's free-kicks in 1982, Rivaldo's brilliance in 2002, Ronaldinho's pure joy in 2006, Kaká's elegance, and then Neymar carrying the hopes of 215 million people for over a decade.
For Raphinha, this is deeply personal. This is a lad from Porto Alegre who started at Avaí, went to Vitória de Guimarães, lit up Elland Road, and now stars for Barcelona — where he was La Liga's Player of the Season in 2024/25 with 18 goals and 11 assists. He has always been the grafter, the pressing machine, not the poster boy. Inheriting the shirt of flair players while being known for his work-rate tells you everything about how Ancelotti wants this new Brazil to play.
Why it Matters?
This is Brazil officially closing the Neymar chapter and anointing the next generation. The 2026 World Cup was supposed to be Neymar's last dance, but it ended in a 2-1 defeat to Norway in the Round-of-16. The CBF's message is clear: no more dependence on one superstar.
Handing the 10 to Raphinha, a senior player in his prime rather than straight to Endrick (18) or Estêvão (18), is a clever piece of man-management. It protects the teenagers while rewarding consistency and leadership.
What does the No. 10 mean in Brazil?
In many countries, it's just a number. In Brazil, it's an institution. Traditionally given to the enganche — the playmaker, the most creative player on the pitch. While Pelé made it famous globally, it was cemented by the 1970 team where Pelé, Tostão, Rivellino and Jairzinho all wore 10 at club level. Since then, CBF custom has been to give it to the technical talisman. That's why Vinícius Jr said last year that the "10 obviously belongs to Neymar". Now it needs to belong to someone else.
WHAT'S NEXT?
All eyes on Townsville on Friday. Raphinha's first official outing as Brazil's No. 10 comes against Australia, before a historic first-ever senior meeting with India.
For Ancelotti, these friendlies are auditions. For Raphinha, it's a chance to prove he isn't just keeping the shirt warm for Endrick or Estêvão, but that he can write his own chapter in its story.
One thing is for sure — the shirt has never been heavier, or more exciting.
Source: cbinews.tv.
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