Members of the Brazil football team touched down at the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport here on Thursday in a chartered flight for the friendly against India.
For a city that shares a deep-rooted love for football, the arrival of one of world football’s giants was a moment to cherish. Millions of football aficionados in Bengal finally got the chance to welcome their favourite international side.
The arrival also set the stage for the FIFA international friendly, where the Indian men’s national team will take on the might of the Selecao, at the Salt Lake Stadium on Saturday. The creativity, flair and skill of Brazil’s ‘Jogo Bonito’ have long made the Selecao an enduring icon among football-lovers in Bengal and across India. Their presence in Kolkata adds a special emotional dimension to the eagerly-awaited fixture.
The biggest attraction among the visitors is Vinicius Junior. The Real Madrid forward has emerged as one of the leading stars of the modern game, renowned for his pace and dribbling ability.
Vinicius missed the chance to visit India when he was ruled out of the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup, hosted by India. Flamengo held him back after their Copa do Brasil final defeat, despite the then 17-year-old having already secured a €45 million move to Real Madrid.
It is a full-circle moment for Vinicius, who has finally arrived in India and again finds himself to be the biggest attraction as Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil prepares to face the Blue Tigers. With Raphinha withdrawing due to injury, the Vinicius factor is only expected to heighten the excitement and galvanise support in Kolkata.
Published – October 02, 2026 12:13 am IST
