Raphinha will take over Brazil’s iconic number 10 shirt following Neymar’s departure from international football, inheriting one of the most recognisable numbers in the history of the five-time world champions.

The Brazilian Football Confederation has confirmed that the Barcelona winger will wear the famous shirt from now on. The decision represents a significant moment in Raphinha’s international career as Brazil begins to reshape its attacking line following the end of Neymar’s time with the national team.

Neymar leaves behind a substantial legacy. Although he did not win a World Cup with Brazil, he finished his international career as the country’s all-time leading goalscorer. He scored 80 goals in 130 appearances, moving beyond Pelé’s previous record of 77 goals.

For more than a decade, Neymar was closely associated with Brazil’s number 10 shirt. He wore it at major international tournaments and became one of the defining figures of the national side during his international career. His departure has therefore created not only a gap in Brazil’s attack but also a symbolic vacancy around one of the country’s most celebrated football shirts.

That shirt will now belong to Raphinha.

The 29-year-old has become an increasingly important figure for Brazil in recent years. At club level, his performances for Barcelona have also strengthened his reputation as one of the leading Brazilian attacking players in European football. His pace, direct approach and ability to create and finish chances have made him a regular threat from wide areas.

Raphinha’s move to the number 10 shirt carries particular weight because of the players who have worn it before him. Pelé transformed the number into a global symbol during Brazil’s golden era, while Zico, Rivaldo and Ronaldinho also wore it during distinguished international careers.

The shirt has consequently come to represent much more than a squad number. It is closely associated with creativity, attacking responsibility and the expectations placed on Brazil’s leading footballers.

Raphinha will now become the latest player to carry that tradition. The change also reflects the broader transition taking place within the national team. With Neymar no longer part of Brazil’s international set-up, a new generation of players is expected to assume greater responsibility in attack.

That does not mean Raphinha is simply being asked to reproduce Neymar’s career. The two players have different styles and have made their mark in different ways. Raphinha’s challenge will be to establish his own identity while wearing a shirt whose history is already filled with some of Brazilian football’s biggest names.

The decision is also a recognition of Raphinha’s growing importance to the national side. Wearing the number 10 shirt will inevitably bring greater attention, and his performances in Brazil’s famous yellow jersey will be closely followed.

Neymar’s legacy is already firmly established in Brazil’s football history. Raphinha now has the opportunity to begin a different chapter — one shaped by his own performances, personality and contribution to the national team.

The number 10 remains one of Brazil’s most recognisable symbols. Its next story will now be written by Raphinha.