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Brazil National Football Team Formation

Creation DateFebruary 27, 2025

Starting Lineup

Gabriel Brazão (1) · Alex Telles (6) · G. Magalhães (4) · Murillo (3) · JP Chermont (2) · Gerson (5) · Rodrygo (11) · Neymar Jr (10) · Raphinha (8) · Vini Jr (7) · Endrick (9)

Brazil plays with a heavy focus on quick transitions and verticality in a 5-3-2. This lineup aims to win the ball back high up the pitch to catch opponents out of position. The team relies on direct play to move the ball from the defensive third into the final third as fast as possible.

Gabriel Brazão defends the goal as part of a back five. Gerson holds the center of the line to win the second ball and maintain a compact block. Murillo and G. Magalhães operate as the wide central defenders to cover the channels and sweep behind a high line when needed. JP Chermont acts as an attacking wing back on the right to provide width, while Alex Telles plays as an attacking wing back on the left. This allows the back line to shift and cover for the advancing wide players.

The midfield operates as a three man unit with a central playmaker. Neymar Jr sits in the middle to connect the defensive and attacking lines, using his dribbling and passing range to find teammates. Raphinha and Rodrygo play in the half spaces to press aggressively and win the ball high. This duo works to squeeze the space, with Raphinha using his pressing intensity to disrupt the opposition while Rodrygo drives forward to break the line.

The attack features two forwards working in close proximity. Vini Jr plays as a left striker, looking to cut inside and run in behind the defense using his pace and dribbling. Endrick works as a pressing centre forward to pin the last defender and hold up the ball for others. The team builds in wide areas with JP Chermont and Alex Telles to deliver early crosses into the box. This creates opportunities for Vini Jr to attack the far post or for Endrick to find space in the middle.

This formation offers significant speed of transition when the midfield wins possession. Brazil creates wide overloads through the movement of the wing backs to support the attackers. The team also maintains compactness when defending by sitting in a mid block when the high press is bypassed.

This 5-3-2 formation is built for teams that want to strike on the counter. It is most effective when facing opponents that play with a high defensive line and leave space behind.