Joelinton’s hopes of representing Brazil during the upcoming international break have taken a disappointing turn, just 48 hours before Newcastle United’s crucial Champions League clash at St James’ Park.
The midfielder, once seen as an integral part of both his club and national setup, has been dropped from Carlo Ancelotti’s latest Brazil squad, marking another setback in a season that has already tested his confidence and form.
The news arrives at a sensitive time for Newcastle, as Eddie Howe’s men prepare to face Athletic Club in Europe, hoping to find consistency amid an uneven domestic campaign.
Joelinton, who has been a vital figure in Newcastle’s transformation over recent seasons, now finds himself battling for both international recognition and a guaranteed place in his club’s starting lineup.
Just last month, Joelinton was called up for Brazil’s friendly matches in the Far East against South Korea and Japan. He didn’t feature in the 5-0 win over South Korea but came off the bench during a 3-2 defeat to Japan, earning his eighth cap for the national team.
His teammate Bruno Guimaraes, however, started both games and assisted in each, underlining his growing importance to Brazil.
The pair endured an exhausting travel schedule during that window, even facing a mid-air setback when their flight to Seoul had to turn back due to a window malfunction. Despite those challenges, both players returned to Tyneside determined to maintain their momentum for club and country.
This time around, though, only one of them has made the cut. Bruno Guimaraes retains his place and continues to strengthen his reputation as one of Brazil’s most reliable midfielders.
Joelinton, meanwhile, has been left out an omission that highlights how his recent performances have fallen below the high standards he set in previous seasons.
Brazil’s upcoming fixtures against Senegal and Tunisia will be hosted in Europe, sparing the players from long-haul travel. The Selecão face Senegal at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium on November 15 before meeting Tunisia at Lille’s Decathlon Arena on November 18.
These friendlies offer Ancelotti another chance to assess his squad as he builds toward the 2026 World Cup in North America, where Brazil have already secured qualification.
For Guimaraes, this call-up is further confirmation of his excellent form. Despite Newcastle’s recent 3-1 loss to West Ham United, the captain has enjoyed a strong season so far, contributing three goals and two assists in nine Premier League appearances.
His leadership, consistency, and composure on the ball have made him a central figure in both Newcastle’s midfield and the Brazil setup. Since the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where Brazil reached the quarter-finals, Guimaraes has missed only two international fixtures one due to squad rotation and the other because of suspension. His regular inclusion now makes him one of the first names on Ancelotti’s team sheet.
Joelinton’s situation, on the other hand, tells a different story. The 29-year-old missed the September international break due to injury, and now that he is fit again, he has still been overlooked a decision that mirrors his inconsistent displays at club level.
Although still a fan favourite, his influence on the pitch has waned in recent months. The powerful, box-to-box midfielder once known for his relentless energy and dominance in duels has struggled to find that same intensity.
His recent performances for Newcastle have reflected this dip. Joelinton started the club’s last five Premier League matches but was dropped to the bench in both the Champions League victory over Benfica and the Carabao Cup win against Tottenham Hotspur.
With players like Jacob Ramsey, Joe Willock, and young Lewis Miley pushing for more game time, competition in the midfield has intensified. Howe now faces a tough decision over whether to restore Joelinton to the lineup or continue rewarding those showing better form.
The timing of his omission from the Brazil squad could hardly be worse. It came just two days before Newcastle’s important Champions League fixture, where a strong performance could help him rediscover his confidence.
However, it’s clear that both club and country expect more from a player once hailed as one of Newcastle’s most complete midfielders.
Brazil’s current squad selection reflects the immense depth available to Ancelotti. Alongside Guimaraes, the midfield boasts experienced names such as Casemiro, Fabinho, and Lucas Paquetá, while rising stars like Andrey Santos add youthful energy.
For Joelinton, breaking back into such a talented pool will require rediscovering the form that once made him undroppable for both Newcastle and Brazil.
Brazil’s November Squad (2025)
| Position | Players |
|---|---|
| Goalkeepers | Ederson (Fenerbahçe), Bento (Al-Nassr FC), Hugo Souza (Corinthians) |
| Defenders | Marquinhos (PSG), Eder Militao (Real Madrid), Gabriel Magalhães (Arsenal), Danilo (Flamengo), Fabrício Bruno (Cruzeiro), Alex Sandro (Flamengo), Wesley (AS Roma), Caio Henrique (Monaco), Paulo Henrique (Vasco da Gama), Luciano Juba (Bahia) |
| Midfielders | Bruno Guimaraes (Newcastle), Casemiro (Manchester United), Fabinho (Al Ittihad), Lucas Paquetá (West Ham), Andrey Santos (Chelsea) |
| Forwards | Vinícius Jr. (Real Madrid), Rodrygo (Real Madrid), Estevão (Chelsea), Vitor Roque (Palmeiras), João Pedro (Chelsea), Richarlison (Tottenham), Matheus Cunha (Manchester United), Luiz Henrique (Zenit St. Petersburg) |
As Joelinton watches from afar, this could serve as the wake-up call he needs to reignite his career. His passion and work ethic have never been in doubt, but his influence on the field must return to its old heights if he hopes to earn back his Brazil place and secure his spot in Newcastle’s first team.
For now, his focus will be on helping the Magpies regain their rhythm in Europe a challenge that could define not just his season, but the trajectory of his future with both club and country.
