Brazilian goalkeeper Weverton has described his call-up to the Brazil squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup as one of the most emotional moments of his career as the veteran shot-stopper dreams of helping the Seleção win a historic sixth world title.
The 38-year-old keeper, who was part of Brazil’s squad at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, admitted the news initially left him stunned after Carlo Ancelotti included him in the final squad despite never previously selecting him during his tenure.
A video captured by the goalkeeper’s family CCTV camera quickly spread across social media, showing the experienced keeper overcome with emotion in his living room moments after learning he had made the squad.
Weverton collapsed onto a sofa before sitting in disbelief as the magnitude of the moment sank in.
The former Palmeiras goalkeeper revealed the call-up had filled him with gratitude and renewed determination as Brazil prepares for another attempt at global glory after their painful quarter-final exit to Croatia four years ago.
“It’s been a very special few days, full of joy and gratitude,” Weverton revealed while reflecting on the squad announcement.
Determined to Make History with Brazil
The goalkeeper explained that every day he thinks about the opportunity to represent his football-loving nation and help Brazil secure a sixth World Cup crown that has been elusive since winning it in 2002 in Korea-Japan.
The experienced shot-stopper will once again form part of Brazil’s goalkeeping unit alongside Liverpool’s Alisson Becker and Ederson Moraes (Fenerbahce), the same trio that travelled to Qatar in 2022.
Despite the fierce competition for the number one jersey, Weverton stressed that “mutual respect and friendship” continue to define their relationship. According to him, all three goalkeepers constantly “motivate” one another to maintain the highest standards, understanding that only one can start while the others remain ready to support the team in every way possible.
Weverton also highlighted the importance of unity within a squad packed with elite talent.
Having already shared success with Neymar during Brazil’s gold medal-winning campaign at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, the goalkeeper believes “collective commitment rather than individual status” will determine whether Brazil can finally reclaim football’s biggest prize.
The veteran explained that the squad must put aside egos and vanity if they are to achieve something special in the United States, Canada and Mexico. He insisted the players are fully committed to writing their names into Brazilian football history.
A Challenging Move From Palmeiras
Weverton’s journey back to the World Cup has been shaped by resilience and difficult decisions. The goalkeeper recently ended a hugely successful spell with Palmeiras to join Gremio, a move he admitted was emotionally challenging because of the deep connection he had built with the club and its supporters.
However, the Brazilian international said there are moments in life when “courage becomes necessary,” adding that difficult decisions can often lead to growth.
He maintained that after “praying and seeking guidance,” he felt the transfer was the “correct step” for his career.
The goalkeeper also reflected on the players who inspired him throughout his career, naming legendary World Cup winners Claudio Taffarel and Marcos among his biggest influences.
He added that the position itself had taught him resilience, mental strength and composure under pressure.
Weverton further praised Alisson and Ederson for the professionalism they demonstrate daily in training and off the pitch, revealing that he constantly “learns from observing their habits and mentality.”
A Mentor To The Younger Generation
Another aspect making the upcoming tournament special for the veteran goalkeeper is the opportunity to share the journey with younger Brazilian stars Endrick and Danilo Santos, two players he helped mentor during their time together at Palmeiras.
Weverton recalled a humorous tradition where he would buy Endrick a pair of trainers every time the young striker scored.
Danilo would often accompany the teenager to help choose the footwear, although the goalkeeper joked that Endrick’s consistent goalscoring eventually made the arrangement too expensive to maintain.
Now preparing for what could be the final World Cup of his career, Weverton is determined to make the experience count as Brazil once again pursues football glory in North America.
Weverton has played just 10 minutes of football at the FIFA World Cup when he came on for Alisson in Brazil’s 4-1 win over South Korea in Round of 16 in Qatar and considering that he is only the third choice goalkeeper, it unlikely that he’ll play more at the Mundial before he hangs up his gloves.
However, for the emotional goalkeeper, the call-up represented far more than a personal achievement and a chance to play. Rather, it was confirmation that persistence, sacrifice and belief can still open the door to greatness, even at 38 years old.
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