Imagine playing the head coaching role of Brazil in Copa America 2024. The list of talented attackers, young and experienced, is endless. 433futbol looks at Brazil's striker pool and assesses who will likely lead the Selecao upfront this summer.
Neymar
Whether Neymar will suit up this summer for Brazil after recovering from an ACL surgery is still in the air. But as the leading attacker for Seleção — 79 strikes in 128 appearances — the Brazilan forward will do everything possible to make himself available. Plus, after losing 1-nil against his buddy Messi at the last Copa America final, he's got some redemption to pay.
Roberto Firmino
Liverpool legend Robert Firmino may not be in his prime, but he still delivers when it matters most. The ‘no look' goalscorer bagged a hat trick on his debut with Al Ahli in the Saudi Pro League last August. “For people with football knowledge, I'm pretty sure when he finishes playing people will write books about the way he interpreted the false-nine position,” said Firmino's former LFC boss Jurgen Klopp.
While he may not make the Brazil selection over Gabriel Jesus this time, never say never.
Antony
Scandal and drama led the Brazil national team to drop Antony in September 2023. The 24-year-old hasn't featured since, leaving abruptly with 27 caps to his name. The once-Ajax extraordinaire has also struggled during his second term with Manchester United, prompting Red Devil fans to demand a replacement for Erik ten Hag's ÂŁ86m transfer.
Richarlison
Big up to this man. Richarlison recently came forward and shared his personal struggle with depression, which started after losing to Brazil at the 2022 World Cup. While his pitch performance for club and country took a turn, he's rebuilding to return to his best. The center-forward already has 11 goals and 3 assists in 28 matches this season for Spurs. His Brazil stats include an impressive 20 goals in 48 appearances.
Raphinha
“Raphinha is so dynamic that he can play in four attacking positions,” says Barcelona boss Xavi. The attacker is nonetheless traditionally deployed as a right-winger, as seen most recently in Brazil's 1-0 friendly win against England at Wembley Stadium.
Raphinha's club performances have received mixed reviews since his ÂŁ55m Barcelona signing, but with 16 goals and 22 assists, the 27-year-old still has plenty of magic to offer. This summer, he could surely make a statement.
Gabriel Jesus
A four-time Premier League winner with Man City, Gabriel Jesus wants to lead Arsenal to their first Premier League title in over two decades. While he's experienced a mixed season with 8 goals in 27 matches with the North London club, the 1x Copa American champion remains a dependable striker for club and country. The 27-year-old is already on 64 caps for Brazil, recording 19 strikes.
Gabriel Martinelli
The 22-year-old Arsenal starlet is one of the CBF's freshest faces. With 8 matches and 5 assists this season, the left-winger is in good form. But can he get into the left-wing position on a 23-man Brazil roster with some of the most talented attackers in the world? It's more likely his Brazilian-Arsenal counterpart, Gabriel Jesus, gets the pick ahead of him. Let's see if Brazil boss Dorival Junior has some alternative plans.
Endrick
After scoring against England in just his third appearance, Real Madrid-bound Endrick holds a bright future for the Selecao. Copa America could also be his coming-out party. The left-winger is the first player in history to win two Brazilian titles before turning 18 — he has five trophies in just three years for Palmeiras.
Rodrygo Goes
In 2018, Rodrygo Goes became the youngest-ever Brazilian to score in the Copa Libertadores at 17. A year later, he became the youngest Brazilian to strike in the Champions League at 18. Now 23, the Real Madrid star, who has 15 goals and 8 assists this season, is trying to become a household name. Welcome Brazil's newest number, 10.
Vinicius Junior
Perhaps the trickiest and deadliest attacker on the list is Vinicius Junior. This season, Vini Jr. is impeccable for Real Madrid, with 18 strikes and 8 assists in early April. The 23-year-old winger is far and away from one of our top five players to watch in Copa America this summer. Strangely, he's not been as effective on Selecao thus far, scoring 3 in 28 appearances. Nothing better, though, than quieting the doubters should Vini Jr. lead Brazil to Copa America success this summer. The stage is set.
