Flamengo sole club with players in every position for Brazil U-16 squad

Flamengo have five representatives in Brazil's Under-16 men's squad. Head coach Guilherme Dalla Déa announced the 24-player selection on Monday (9 November) for two friendlies against Paraguay on 25 and 27 November at the Paraguay Football Association's High Performance Centre in Ypané.

Alongside Athletico-PR, Flamengo have the most players in the call-up with five representatives. The Rubro-Negro also stand out as the sole club to have players across every position: goalkeeper, defender, midfielder and forward.

Alessandro Dantas (born 5 February 2010), from Itapeva (São Paulo), is 16 years old and joined Flamengo in 2022 as part of the Under-12 squad. This marks his first Brazil national team call-up at youth level.

"It's a very important moment in my life. It has always been my dream to be called up by the national team. I believe this will be preparation with lots of learning opportunities."

Rafael Barreto (born 15 April 2010), from Rio de Janeiro, joined Flamengo in 2016 aged six. The defender took part in training sessions with Brazil's Under-17 squad this month at Granja Comary to prepare for the U-17 World Cup. He now receives his first call-up for the Under-16 team.

"I'm very happy with my first call-up. I hope this will be the first of many. My expectations are as high as possible and I hope everything goes as well as it can."

Lucca Tatsch (born 24 May 2010), from Cabo Frio (Rio de Janeiro), has also been at Flamengo for ten years, since the Under-6 category. With this call-up, the midfielder-forward will have the chance to wear the Brazil national team shirt for the first time.

"I've always dreamed of all this: being a footballer, wearing Flamengo's shirt and Brazil's shirt. I will keep giving my all to be called up again and achieve my goals at the club and in the national team."

Thauan Mello (born 13 January 2010), from São João de Meriti (Rio de Janeiro), joined Flamengo in 2017 to join the Under-7 squad. This will be his second call-up to Brazil's national team for the midfielder-forward, after being called up for the first time in August 2025 for the Under-15 squad.

"This call-up is the realisation of a childhood dream. Every player works hard at their club thinking about one day wearing this shirt. I'm grateful to everyone who has supported and helped me to this point."

Leonardo Gabriel (born 1 February 2010), from Quatá (São Paulo), joined Flamengo in 2022 as part of the Under-12 squad. After four years at the club, the 16-year-old forward receives his first call-up to Brazil's national team.

"It's a feeling of great joy. It has always been a dream to wear Brazil's shirt. My expectations are the best possible. I hope to help the national team perform well in training and matches."