Santos striker Neymar is the most recognisable face in the 18-strong line-up and is a bonafide superstar of the world game, having already scored nine goals in 18 appearances for the senior national side.
Every one of his teammates has also been called up at senior level though, with AC Milan’s Alexandre Pato and Porto’s Hulk being particularly impressive for A Seleção.
Striker Hulk is one of three over-age players in the squad and is joined in taking up those allocated spots by Real Madrid fullback Marcelo and AC Milan centre back Thiago Silva.
Other notable names include Manchester United utility Rafael, who is equally comfortable at fullback or on the wing, and Tottenham midfielder Sandro.
Hulk, 25, has scored three goals for the senior team since making his debut in 2009 and Menezes, who is also in charge of the senior side, says his experience at the highest level will be a boost to Brazil’s chances of securing their first ever Olympic football title.
“He brings a lot of strength to the team,” Menezes says.
“His experience will be important in big matches, as will his great ability to be decisive.”
Despite their impressive pedigree, the Olympic tournament is the only significant competition Brazil are yet to win. The five-time FIFA World Cup champions won silver in the 1984 and 1988 Olympics and earned bronze in 1996 and 2008.
Oceania representatives New Zealand will face Brazil in Newcastle on August 1 in their final group match of the Olympics after earlier taking on Belarus on July 26 in Coventry and Egypt on July 29 in Manchester.
Brazil squad for Olympic Games
Goalkeepers
Rafael Cabral (Santos)
Neto (Fiorentina)
Defenders
Marcelo (Real Madrid)
Rafael (Manchester United)
Danilo (Porto)
Alex Sandro (Porto)
Thiago Silva (AC Milan)
Juan (Inter Milan)
Bruno Uvini (Sao Paulo)
Midfielders
Romulo (Vasco da Gama)
Ganso (Santos)
Oscar (Internacional)
Sandro (Tottenham Hotspur)
Lucas (Sao Paulo)
Forwards
Neymar (Santos)
Alexandre Pato (AC Milan)
Leandro Damiao (Internacional)
Hulk (Porto)

Share