Brazil has announced its squad for the upcoming October 2025 friendlies against South Korea and Japan, with notable absences due to injury. Star forward Neymar remains sidelined, leaving the Seleção to rely on a blend of seasoned veterans and emerging talents as they prepare for their international fixtures. The roster, unveiled ahead of the highly anticipated matches, reflects Brazil’s ongoing strategy to balance experience and youth while managing key player fitness.
Brazil Unveils October 2025 Squad for Friendlies Against South Korea and Japan
The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) has announced the squad selected for the upcoming October 2025 friendlies against South Korea and Japan, marking an important phase in the team’s preparation ahead of the World Cup qualifiers. The list notably excludes Neymar, who continues to recover from a persistent injury, much to the disappointment of fans and coaching staff alike. Despite his absence, the roster boasts a blend of seasoned veterans and emerging talent, reflecting coach Tite’s strategy to maintain competitive depth while integrating fresh energy. Key players such as VinÃcius Júnior, Casemiro, and Alisson Becker have been called up to lead the charge in a tightly contested match schedule abroad.
The squad emphasizes versatility and tactical adaptability, with several midfielders and forwards capable of performing multiple roles. The coaching staff will closely monitor players like Rodrygo, Richarlison, and up-and-comer Kaio Jorge, whose performances could shape Brazil’s attacking options moving forward. Defensive reliability remains a priority, with stalwarts Marquinhos and Éder Militão anchoring the backline. Below is a quick overview of the main call-ups, reflecting the team’s balanced approach:
- Goalkeepers: Alisson, Ederson
- Defenders: Marquinhos, Éder Militão, Alex Sandro
- Midfielders: Casemiro, Fred, Lucas Paquetá
- Forwards: VinÃcius Júnior, Richarlison, Rodrygo
| Position | Player | Club |
|---|---|---|
| Goalkeeper | Alisson | Liverpool |
| Defender | Marquinhos | Paris Saint-Germain |
| Midfielder | Casemiro | Manchester United |
| Forward | VinÃcius Júnior | Real Madrid |
Neymar Remains sidelined as Young Talents Step Up in Brazil Lineup
With Neymar still sidelined due to his ongoing injury, Brazil’s national team has turned to a promising crop of young talents to fill the void. Coach Tite has shown confidence in emerging stars like , who have all been named in the roster for the upcoming friendlies against South Korea and Japan. These fresh faces are expected to bring energy and innovation to the squad, keeping Brazil’s attacking spirit alive despite the absence of their iconic forward.
Besides the youngsters stepping into key roles, the squad also reflects a balanced mix of experienced campaigners and rising prospects. Players such as and remain pivotal, providing stability and leadership at the back and midfield. The coaching staff has emphasized a strategic approach where youth and experience combine seamlessly, aiming to sharpen the team’s cohesion ahead of more competitive fixtures later this season.
| Position | Player | Age | Club |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forward | Rodrygo | 22 | Real Madrid |
| Forward | Antony | 24 | Manshester United |
| Forward | Endrick | 18 | Palmeiras |
| Midfielder | Casemiro | 31 | Manchester United |
| Goalkeeper | Alisson | 31 | Liverpool |
Tactical Analysis and Key Players to Watch in Upcoming Brazil Matches
With Neymar sidelined due to injury, Brazil’s tactical approach in their upcoming friendlies against South Korea and Japan will pivot towards a more balanced and dynamic midfield setup. Coach Tite is expected to deploy a flexible 4-3-3 formation, emphasizing quick transitions and exploiting the pace of the flanks. The absence of Neymar places greater responsibility on VinÃcius Jr. and Raphinha to penetrate defenses and create scoring opportunities, while Casemiro’s role as the defensive anchor becomes even more crucial to maintain control in the middle of the park. Defensively, Brazil will likely adopt a high press to disrupt opposition build-up, relying on both the energetic full-backs and the positional discipline of Militao and Marquinhos.
Key players to watch include:
- VinÃcius Jr. – Expected to lead the attack and provide direct goal threats with his dribbling and pace.
- Casemiro – The midfield general, tasked with breaking up play and starting counterattacks.
- Gabriel Martinelli – A promising talent who can add creativity and pressing intensity on the left wing.
- Ederson – Guardian between the sticks, whose quick distribution will be key to initiating fast breaks.
| Player | Position | Role | Strength to Watch |
|---|---|---|---|
| VinÃcius Jr. | Winger | Primary Attacker | Dribbling & Speed |
| Casemiro | Defensive Midfield | Midfield Anchor | Interceptions & Passing |
| Gabriel Martinelli | Winger | Creative Support | Pressing & Creativity |
| Ederson | Goalkeeper | Shot-Stopper | Distribution |
Concluding Remarks
As Brazil prepares to face South Korea and Japan in their October 2025 friendlies, the squad selection highlights both emerging talents and seasoned campaigners ready to step up in Neymar’s continued absence. The coaching staff remains focused on building cohesion and testing tactical options ahead of upcoming competitive fixtures. Fans will be eager to see how the Seleção adapts without their star forward, while keeping an eye on which players seize the opportunity to solidify their place in the team. Further updates and match analyses will follow as Brazil takes to the pitch in these important international fixtures.
