AFC Bournemouth forward Rayan has spoken of his pride after receiving his first call-up to the Brazil national football team, describing the moment as a long-awaited dream.
The 19-year-old, who joined Bournemouth from Vasco da Gama earlier this year, is part of Carlo Ancelotti’s squad for the upcoming friendlies against France national football team and Croatia national football team in the United States.
Speaking to the Brazilian FA official channels after linking up with the squad in Orlando, Rayan made clear how much the opportunity means to him.
“I am very happy and very grateful. It is a childhood dream coming true, not only for me but for my wife and my family,” he said.
“I had been through the U15, U17 and U20 teams and now I am with the senior national team. It was a moment I was waiting for. I knew I was on the preliminary list but I didn’t know it would happen. I was very happy at the moment and I am still very happy today.”
From academy success to senior chance
Although this is his first senior call-up, Rayan is no stranger to Brazil’s international setup.
He enjoyed success at youth level, winning the South American U17 Championship in 2023 and the U20 edition in 2025. Now, he wants to continue that winning trajectory with the senior side.
“My spells with the youth national teams were successful. I was champion with the U17s and also with the U20s. I hope to win with the senior national team as well and continue on this path,” he added.
His rise has been rapid. After playing a key role for Vasco in 2025, including a run to the Copa do Brasil final, he earned a move to Bournemouth in January.
Since arriving in England, Rayan has featured eight times, starting seven matches, and has already contributed two goals and one assist. His pace and finishing have quickly stood out in the Premier League.
| Premier League 2025/26 | |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 8 |
| Started | 7 |
| Minutes per game | 78 |
| Total minutes played | 626 |
| Goals | 2 |
Bournemouth impact and Brazil recognition
Rayan himself linked his call-up directly to his performances at club level.
“Vasco had a big impact on my journey. Since last year I did a very good job and now I am at Bournemouth,” he explained.
“I arrived there and I am doing important work, playing well, and the coach saw that and gave me this opportunity. Evanilson, who is Brazilian, the people at the club, the president and the coach… All have helped me a lot.”
The youngster also pointed to his strong start in England, highlighting goals and assists as key factors in his quick adaptation.
“Since I arrived, the club welcomed me very well. I came in scoring goals and providing assists, and that is putting me on the right path.”
That early impact aligns with what has already been reported in Brazil. Rayan was not only included in the preliminary list but was also seen internally as a player the coaching staff rate highly and want to observe closely.
Eyes on World Cup opportunity
Despite the excitement, Rayan is already looking ahead.
He acknowledged the importance of this international window, especially with the World Cup approaching.
“It is a very important opportunity for my career. It is the last preparation before the World Cup. I hope to do a good job here and, if God wills it, to be called up again.”
Brazil face France on March 26 and Croatia on March 31, giving Rayan his first chance to train and potentially feature under Ancelotti.
“Ancelotti is a very successful coach. He has won many titles in his career and now he is looking to win with Brazil, which is the heaviest shirt in the world. I am very excited to work with him,” he said.
For Bournemouth, this represents another clear sign of the trajectory their young forward is on. Only months into his Premier League journey, Rayan is already stepping into the senior international stage – and aiming to stay there.
