Tottenham striker Richarlison showed his compassionate side after Brazil’s 3-2 defeat to Japan on Tuesday, speaking about how he comforted teammate Fabrício Bruno following the centre-back’s difficult evening.
The forward told reporters that the mood in the dressing room was heavy after the late collapse in Tokyo. Fabrício Bruno, who had been involved in two of Japan’s goals, appeared visibly shaken. That prompted Richarlison to reach out.
“Fabrício Bruno was a bit down in the dressing room. I’m an experienced guy, but he is too, he’s been around,” Richarlison said. “Even so, I went over to give him a hug and told him to keep going. We’re human. We’ll make mistakes, we’ll get things right… that’s part of the game.”
His words reflected empathy and leadership in a team still searching for consistency under Carlo Ancelotti. Brazil went 2-0 up, then lost control in the second half. Defensive errors opened the door for Japan’s comeback.
Richarlison’s reaction stood out as a reminder of his influence within the group, both on and off the pitch.
In recent years, he has spoken openly about his mental health, therapy, and the value of emotional care in football. As a result, those experiences may explain his instinct to support a struggling teammate rather than criticise.
While his finishing has come under scrutiny in recent months, moments like this show why he remains an important figure in Ancelotti’s squad. The Tottenham striker continues to chase consistency in front of goal.
Even so, his blend of emotion and maturity added a human touch to a night that otherwise left Brazil reflecting on missed chances and lessons learned.
