Fast, offensive, and committed to marking. These are some of the characteristics that full-back Richard Wendel attributed to his playing style. The Fluminense athlete was called up by coach Carlos Eduardo Patetuci to represent Brazil in the South American U-17 Championship, which will be held in Paraguay. While training at Granja Comary, in Teresópolis (RJ), the player revealed his feelings about wearing the Yellow Jersey and how the team is preparing for the competition.
“It’s an indescribable feeling, it’s another dream come true. I always strive to work hard at my club so I can always be here, always be on the list, come back, evolve, grow, and create an identity with the Brazilian National Team,” he said.
“We’re going to work hard during this preparation here at Granja, so that we can have a great tournament and, God willing, reach the final and come back with the title,” he added.
In Group B of the South American U-17 Championship, Brazil will be joined by Venezuela, Argentina, Bolivia, and Peru.
Richard Wendel during training with the Brazilian U-17 National Team at Granja ComaryCredits: Rafael Ribeiro/CBF
The 23 called-up athletes reported to the mountain region of Rio de Janeiro on March 18. The coaching staff will conduct two weeks of training at Granja Comary before departing for the competition on April 1.
Although he has been called up before and knows the weight of wearing the Yellow Jersey, Richard showed camaraderie by emphasizing that he likes to welcome teammates who are joining the National Team for the first time. For him, it’s important for the group to be united and integrated.
“The first contact with the guys is always good. Those of us who have been here for a while try to get to know everyone who arrives so the group gets stronger. This integration among us is very important so that everyone feels at home, both those coming for the first time and those who have been coming for a while as well,” he stated.
The Brazilian U-17 National Team is training at Granja Comary in preparation for the South American Championship in their categoryCredits: Rafael Ribeiro/CBF
Finally, the full-back left a message for all Brazilians who will be cheering for the Yellow Jersey in the South American Championship. He emphasized that the team will give their all to bring back the title.
“Brazilian fans can expect a lot of commitment from me and the whole team. I am sure we will go after this title. We will do everything we can to bring this trophy back to the Brazilian National Team,” he concluded.
The Brazilian National Team comes from two consecutive titles in the competition: 2023 in Ecuador and in Colombia in 2025. The Yellow Jersey is the biggest winner of the South American U-17 Championship. Out of the 20 editions held, Brazil has lifted the trophy 14 times (1988, 1991, 1995, 1997, 1999, 2001, 2005, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2015, 2017, 2023, and 2025).
In addition to seeking the trophy, the Brazilian National Team aims for a spot in the U-17 World Cup, which will be held later this year in Qatar. Seven South American teams will qualify for the World Cup, which since last year has featured 48 participants.
Fluminense full-back Richard Wendel will represent Brazil in the South American U-17 ChampionshipCredits: Rafael Ribeiro/CBF
This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.