Brazil's Striker Lottery: Who's Nicking the No.9 Shirt for the World Cup?

Picture this: Brazil, the kings of samba football with five World Cup trophies in the cabinet, gearing up for another crack at glory. But here's the kicker – for all Carlo Ancelotti's wizardry, they've got a proper headache up top. No more Ronaldo, Romário or Adriano bossing the box; now it's a scramble for who leads the line. As reported by Football Muse at OneFootball, we've ranked the top contenders vying for that golden Seleção spot.

The Long Shots: 10 Down to 6

Kicking off at 10, Gabriel Jesus. Blimey, remember when this lad was Arsenal's golden boy and Brazil's next big thing? Injuries have turned him into a ghost – not capped since 2023, and his international goals have dried up like a pitch in drought. 19 in 64 caps ain't bad, but just one since 2019? Oof.

9. Evanilson lit up Porto with 26 goals, earning a £40m switch to Bournemouth. He's nabbed 16 in 58 Prem games, but that's not screaming 'World Cup starter' yet.

At 8, Vitor Roque, the 21-year-old Barcelona flop who's rediscovered his mojo at Palmeiras. 25 goals in 69 games and a spot in the Série A Team of the Year? Promising, but two caps say it's a stretch for this summer.

7. Kaio Jorge is your proper wildcard from Brazil's heartland. After flopping in Italy, he banged in 26 for Cruzeiro last term, topping the Campeonato Mineiro with 7. Debut goal vs Chile? He's cooking.

6. Neymar – the granddaddy at 34. Saved Santos amid injuries, now bagging braces early in 2026. Ancelotti's watching, but risking the injury-prone icon? That's like betting the house on a dodgy horse.

The Form Horses: 5 to 1

5. Richarlison brings tournament nous from Qatar '22, where he shone. But 13 cap drought since? Tottenham's relegation scrap and 9 club goals this season aren't helping his case.

4. Endrick, the 19-year-old prodigy. Frozen out at Real Madrid, but 5 in 9 on loan at Lyon has him buzzing. 14 caps, 3 goals already – March friendlies vs France and Croatia await.

3. Igor Thiago, the uncapped Brentford beast. Leading Brazilian scorers in Europe's big five with 18 goals? If the Bees keep rising, why not a Seleção shout?

2. Matheus Cunha shines as a second striker for Manchester United, not a pure 9. 27 league goals over two years prior, but just 1 in 19 Brazil caps and 6 in the Prem this term. Versatile, though – plane ticket likely.

Top of the pile at 1: João Pedro. Chelsea's £60m man has erupted with 18 goals all comps, including 8 in his last 8 league games. Boss Liam Rosenior lumps him with Haaland and Mbappé. No Brazil goals in 6 caps yet, but form like that screams starter.

Ancelotti's Headache – Who Ya Got?

Brazil's qualification was a slog, but with the World Cup looming, Don Carlo needs a reliable fox in the box. João Pedro's the punter's favourite, Endrick the kid with hype, Thiago the surprise package. Neymar for nostalgia? Risky as hell.

It's a lineup that'd make even Pelé chuckle – talent aplenty, but no obvious heir. Whoever gets the nod, expect flair, drama and probably a few memes. Seleção fans, crack open a caipirinha; this summer's gonna be a riot.