Newcastle United midfielder Joelinton has been singled out for criticism in Brazil after the national team’s 3-2 defeat to Japan, with pundit Rodrigo Mattos questioning why Carlo Ancelotti continues to pick him for the Selecão.
Speaking on UOL Esporte, Mattos said several of Ancelotti’s choices were “wrong”, pointing directly to Joelinton’s inclusion as one he “can’t understand”.
Brazil had raced into a 2-0 lead before collapsing in the second half — a result that triggered fresh debate back home about the squad’s balance and tactical identity.
“I can’t understand Joelinton being in the Brazilian national team”
Mattos didn’t hold back when discussing the Newcastle midfielder’s role.
“Joelinton, for instance — I can’t understand Joelinton being in the Brazilian national team. I think he’s a player who doesn’t have the skills to be there.” — Rodrigo Mattos, *UOL Esporte*
The comments come just weeks after Joelinton made his return from injury and rejoined the Brazil setup for their October friendlies against South Korea and Japan.
It marked his first involvement since missing the September fixtures, and Ancelotti’s decision to recall him was widely viewed as a reward for his strong Premier League form under Eddie Howe.
From redemption at Newcastle to doubt in Brazil
Since converting from forward to box-to-box midfielder under Howe, Joelinton has become one of Newcastle’s most complete and influential players. His intensity, work rate, and physicality have made him indispensable in England — but his suitability for Brazil’s more technical midfield remains a matter of debate.
| Joelinton 2025 Season Snapshot | Stats |
|---|---|
| Club | Newcastle United |
| Appearances (2025/26) | 8 |
| Goals | 2 |
| Tackles per 90 | 3.8 |
| Duels Won | 59% |
source: sofascore match data – 15 October 2025
While Premier League pundits have praised his evolution, some Brazilian analysts feel his more industrial style doesn’t match Ancelotti’s possession-based approach.
Analyst verdict – misunderstood or misplaced?
In my view, this is another example of how Premier League players often get judged differently in Brazil. Joelinton’s physicality and discipline are vital assets for Newcastle — but they don’t fit the romanticised image many in Brazil still have of the Selecão midfielder.
FootballPlace analyst Liam Rowe adds:
“Joelinton’s not flashy — he’s functional. In a Brazil side full of artists, he’s a worker. But every team needs that balance, and Ancelotti clearly values him for it. The criticism says more about perception than performance.”
Key insights
- Rodrigo Mattos says Joelinton “doesn’t have the skills” for Brazil’s national team.
- Criticism followed the Selecão’s 3-2 defeat to Japan.
- Ancelotti recalled Joelinton after his injury return for Newcastle.
- Midfielder praised in England but remains divisive in Brazil.
- His World Cup place could depend on form in coming months.
What’s next for Joelinton?
Brazil’s next friendlies are set for November, and Joelinton’s inclusion will likely depend on his club form and fitness. At Newcastle, he remains a key figure as Eddie Howe’s side fights on multiple fronts, including Europe.
Whether Ancelotti sticks with him could reveal how Brazil plan to balance flair and physicality ahead of World Cup 2026.
👉 Is Joelinton unfairly judged because his style doesn’t fit Brazil’s traditional expectations?
0 Comments
First read message
Leave a comment
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *