ORLANDO, Fla. – Girona defender Vitor Reis has received a surprise call-up to the Brazilian national team for their upcoming friendly against Croatia on Tuesday, March 31st, at Exploria Stadium in Orlando, Florida. The 20-year-traditional center-back earns his first senior international opportunity following an injury to Arsenal’s Gabriel Magalhães, as coach Carlo Ancelotti bolsters his squad ahead of crucial matches and preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The call-up is a significant moment for Reis, who has impressed this season playing for Girona in Spain’s La Liga. His strong performances at the heart of the defense have caught the eye of Ancelotti, who initially did not replace Magalhães after the Arsenal player sustained an injury during Thursday’s match against France. The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) announced the addition of Reis on Thursday night, with the player expected to join the squad in Florida on Friday evening and participate in Saturday’s training session.
Reis’s path to the national team has been rapid. He came through the youth ranks at Palmeiras, making his senior debut in 2024 before being sold to Manchester City in January 2025. But, the young defender struggled to break into Pep Guardiola’s first team and was subsequently loaned to Girona, a club with ties to the City Football Group. It’s at Girona where Reis has truly flourished, becoming a key player in their lineup and demonstrating the potential that prompted his initial move to England.
Prior to his call-up, Reis was already a champion with Brazil at the 2023 South American U-17 Championship, showcasing his talent on the international stage at a younger age group. This experience will undoubtedly serve him well as he transitions to the senior team. The opportunity to train and potentially play alongside established stars will be invaluable for his development.
The timing of the call-up is particularly notable given the circumstances surrounding the Brazilian squad. Magalhães’s injury created a void in defense, and whereas Marquinhos of Paris Saint-Germain was also dealing with a muscle injury and was doubtful for the match against France, Ancelotti initially opted not to add a replacement. The change of heart and subsequent inclusion of Reis suggests Ancelotti wants to ensure he has adequate defensive cover for the Croatia friendly and beyond.
During Thursday’s match against France, Ancelotti deployed Bremer and Léo Pereira as his starting center-back pairing, with Ibañez receiving playing time off the bench. Danilo, another defensive option, did not feature in the game. Reis will now compete with these players for a place in the starting lineup against Croatia, offering Ancelotti another tactical option.
The friendly against Croatia serves as an important preparation match for Brazil as they seem ahead to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Ancelotti will be using these friendlies to assess his squad and experiment with different combinations as he builds a team capable of competing for the coveted trophy. The match in Orlando will provide a valuable opportunity to evaluate Reis’s abilities in a senior international setting.
Reis is currently the Brazilian player with the most minutes played in La Liga, highlighting his importance to Girona. Manchester City retains ownership of the player, and it is anticipated they will recall him after his loan spell with the Spanish club concludes. However, for now, Reis’s focus is on making the most of his opportunity with the Brazilian national team.
Brazil’s schedule following the Croatia match includes a friendly against Panama on May 31st and a match against Egypt on June 6th. These games will provide further opportunities for Ancelotti to experiment and refine his squad before the start of the World Cup qualifying campaign. The team will be looking to build momentum and establish a strong foundation for success in the years to come.
The call-up of Vitor Reis represents a new chapter in his burgeoning career. From his early days at Palmeiras to his loan spell at Girona, he has consistently demonstrated his talent and potential. Now, he has the chance to prove himself on the biggest stage, representing his country and competing against some of the best players in the world. The match against Croatia will be a significant test, but one that Reis will undoubtedly embrace with enthusiasm and determination.
Fans can follow the Brazilian national team’s progress and updates on the CBF’s official website and social media channels. The match against Croatia is scheduled for 9:00 PM Brasília time (UTC-3) on Tuesday, March 31st. It promises to be an exciting encounter as Brazil prepares for the challenges ahead.
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