7M - Debate Ignites Over Brazil Iconic Number Ten World Cup Shirt

A major discussion has emerged in Brazil following rumors that Vinicius Jr. would take over the legendary number 10 jersey for the national team, while Neymar would move to number 13. Although these reports were subsequently dismissed due to the fact that official squad numbers have not been locked in, the conversation regarding who should wear the country most celebrated shirt continues.

The number 10 jersey holds deep symbolic value for Brazil, historically worn by icons including Pele, Zico, Rivaldo, Ronaldinho, and Kaka. Neymar has maintained ownership of this number for over a decade, first wearing it on June 21, 2013, and consistently retaining it whenever available. Conversely, Vinicius Jr. first donned the number 10 on June 17, 2023, while Neymar was injured, leading many supporters to view the Real Madrid winger as the squad emerging leader.

With manager Carlo Ancelotti overseeing the squad, the choice carries extra weight. Neymar possesses significant veteran hierarchy and dressing room influence, with teammates like Raphinha publicly emphasizing his ongoing importance to the collective group. If traditional team hierarchy is maintained, Neymar will likely keep the number 10 shirt, which would allow Vinicius Jr. to return to the number 7 jersey he frequently wears for both club and country.

Historical milestones are also tied to this decision. Should Neymar feature in the upcoming World Cup wearing the number 10, he will establish a unique record as the only Brazilian to wear that specific number across four separate World Cup tournaments, eclipses even Pele. Interestingly, Pele initially received the number 10 at the 1958 World Cup in Sweden due to an administrative error when Brazil failed to submit an official list, prompting FIFA to hand out squad numbers randomly.