Vitor Reis made his first start for the Brazil national team despite a lack of game time at Manchester City. The 20-year-old defender took to the pitch from the outset alongside Marquinhos in a tightly contested match against Australia that ended 1-1.
This season, Reis has only seen 91 minutes of action for City, playing a full match against Norwich in the League Cup and just one minute in a Premier League fixture against Crystal Palace. Nevertheless, manager Carlo Ancelotti continues to call up the defender for international duty.
Reis remains calm about his limited playing time at the club, stating:
At City, I learn something new every day. I’m working hard to earn my chances, and when they come, I need to show my football.
It’s an enormous club. There are players here who help me improve every day, because you have to demonstrate a very high level even in training.
His debut as a starter for Brazil was particularly special as it allowed him to play alongside Marquinhos, a player he admires greatly.
Reis shared his thoughts:
I still find it hard to believe that I'm here in the Brazil national team. Every kid who starts playing football in our country dreams of this.
I was incredibly happy to debut in the starting lineup next to Marquinhos, who is a role model for me. It’s a special moment for me.
Reis had been included in Brazil's extended squad for the 2026 World Cup but ultimately did not make the cut. He accepted the decision made by the coaching staff with understanding:
Of course, I wanted to go to the World Cup, but I understood that my time had not yet come. I hope that one day that moment will arrive.
The defender also spoke highly of Erling Haaland, whom he trains with at Manchester City:
Haaland is a great guy. He jokes around a lot, is very friendly with everyone, and constantly engages with his teammates.
While coach Enzo Maresca has been reluctant to field Reis in competitive matches, Ancelotti continues to lend support to the young defender in the national squad.
