Weverton was left in shock and disbelief when he received the call-up to represent Brazil in the FIFA World Cup 2026. A heartwarming moment captured by the family’s living-room CCTV camera showed the 38-year-old goalkeeper overcome with emotion, falling over the sofa and then sitting in stunned silence, a video that quickly spread across the internet.
Despite not being previously selected by Italian coach Ancelotti, Weverton, who was part of the Brazil squad in Qatar 2022 where they were knocked out by Croatia in the quarterfinals, has now earned a surprise spot in the final squad for 2026. He will join Alisson and Ederson in Brazil’s goalkeeper lineup.
In an interview with FIFA, Weverton shared his feelings about the emotional call-up, the trio of Brazilian goalkeepers, and his role as a mentor to young players in the national team.
Reflecting on the recent turn of events, Weverton expressed immense gratitude and joy for the opportunity to make history and represent a nation with a deep passion for football. He emphasized the importance of unity and dedication in achieving success as a team and acknowledged the support of fans in their quest for Brazil’s sixth World Cup title.
Weverton highlighted the camaraderie and mutual respect among the goalkeeping trio, comprising himself, Alisson, and Ederson. He praised his fellow keepers for their skills and friendship, emphasizing the collaborative spirit that drives them to excel and support each other despite competition for the starting spot.
When asked about his goalkeeper role models, Weverton credited his Seleçao teammates Alisson and Ederson for their influence and professionalism. However, he cited past Brazilian goalkeeping legends such as Taffarel and Marcos, who were pivotal in shaping his goalkeeping aspirations and resilience.
Regarding his transition from Palmeiras to Gremio, Weverton admitted that leaving his former club was a tough decision but necessary for personal growth. He expressed gratitude to Palmeiras and its supporters for the memorable experiences and stressed the importance of faith and courage in navigating career choices.
Weverton expressed excitement at the prospect of sharing the World Cup journey with former Palmeiras teammates Endrick and Danilo Santos, whom he helped nurture during their time at the club. Reflecting on their shared successes and funny anecdotes, Weverton looks forward to having both players alongside him on the grand stage of the World Cup.