The Flamengo full-back sees his return to the national team as a decisive opportunity, talks about his studies and learning off the pitch and praises Ancelotti
November 13th
2025
– 10am
(Updated at 10:09 a.m.)
In preparation for the 2026 World Cup, Alex Sandro has dug into all the details that could make a difference in the race for a spot. The Flamengo full-back, who has returned to the Brazilian national team under Carlo Ancelotti, is proving that experience and attention to the smallest tactical aspects are his main weapons in this new phase.
Alex Sandro, who has played 42 times for his national team and won the 2019 Copa America and an Olympic silver medal, believes Ancelotti’s decision goes far beyond what happens in 90 minutes. The player is therefore celebrating the opportunity to rejoin the group in the final matches of 2025, friendlies against Senegal and Tunisia.
“During this period, every minute is very valuable. Missing these four games doesn’t seem like a big deal, but sometimes it is. There are many days when I train on the field, but the videos help me a lot. Even when I’m away, I always watch the games and study to keep up to date with my work and style of play. It’s helped me a lot now, so I don’t come to the games and encounter everything new again,” said the full-back.
obsessed with improvement
The player also revealed that while recovering from injury and being left out of the squad for September and October, he maintained the habit of studying the Selecao’s matches and those of their direct rivals for qualification.
“I’m a guy who likes to study, and I especially studied the upcoming Brazil national team match. When it comes to the national team, I studied the match to observe the system they play, the players in their positions… how they score, how they attack, how they play at a particular moment. I didn’t just watch, I studied, but that’s very different. That’s why I like to watch alone. Sometimes my room is messy, and my wife wants to talk, and I don’t just watch, I study.
Alex Sandro is even more excited to play in the World Cup
Alex Sandro, called up to replace Danilo in Dorival Junior’s final list, has found his place alongside Ancelotti. He will start against Ecuador and Paraguay and believes the Italian coach’s faith will motivate him to keep believing in the World Cup again.
He also highlighted the quality of the players on the left, with 11 different players tested this cycle, and emphasized the balance of youth and experience within the group.
“I have always said that the Selecao is privileged by the number of players in certain positions, and it has always been the case on the side. We had a lot of quality players who could have been here if they received their last call-up. We feel good, we have good moments and that experience will help the group. But the young players will also help us, bringing new energy to help us,” he added.
Brazil will face Senegal this Saturday (11/15) at 1pm at the Emirates Stadium in London. Three days later, the 2025 calendar ends with France’s Lille taking on Tunisia, the last friendly before the start of World Cup qualifying.
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