Rubens Lopes, president of the Rio de Janeiro State Football Federation, has taken on the role of head of delegation for the Brazil National Team during the current FIFA international window. Speaking to CBF TV, Lopes expressed his gratitude for the invitation and the warm reception he received from players and coaching staff.
“I was received with great warmth. In fact, it is a huge honor to be able to take part in an event like this, the start of a new cycle looking ahead to the 2030 World Cup,” Lopes said. He thanked the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) not only for the invitation but also for the welcome extended by the entire group. “For me and for the entire federation I represent, it is a great honor.”
The Brazil squad for the friendlies against Australia and India includes 26 players, with several connected to Rio de Janeiro clubs. Four are currently playing for Rio teams: Danilo Santos of Botafogo, Martinelli from Fluminense, and Samuel Lino and Pedro, both at Flamengo. Others have links to Rio through their development or previous clubs, such as Andrey Santos, Douglas Luiz, and Rayan, all developed at Vasco da Gama; Hugo Souza and Vinicius Jr., who came through Flamengo’s youth system; Jair and Matheuzinho, former players of Botafogo and Flamengo respectively; and Bruno Guimarães, who was born in Rio.
Lopes joked on the predominance of Rio players in the squad. “Obviously, it is major recognition [for football in Rio de Janeiro]. But, without wanting to sound presumptuous, if it were up to me, there would be 25,” he said with a smile.
In his role as head of delegation, Lopes acts as a representative of the CBF presidency and board. He is involved in institutional engagements and the daily operations surrounding the Brazil National Team during the international fixtures. The Seleção’s schedule includes two matches against Australia and one against India.
The first friendly took place on September 25 at Queensland Country Bank Stadium in Townsville, kicking off at 8 p.m. local time (7 a.m. Brasília time). The second Australia match is set for September 29 at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, with the same kick-off time. The final friendly against India will be held on October 3 at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan Stadium, known as Salt Lake, in Kolkata, starting at 7:30 p.m. local time (11 a.m. Brasília time).
Rubens Lopes’ involvement with the Brazil National Team during these friendlies coincides with preparations looking ahead to the 2030 World Cup cycle. His presence as delegation chief reflects the importance of Rio de Janeiro’s football institutions within the broader Brazilian setup.
According to Yahoo Sports.
