Brazil arrives in Kolkata, rekindling Bengal’s enduring football romance

Kolkata’s bond with Brazilian football has always gone beyond results and trophies. The connection provides the perfect backdrop to the FIFA international friendly between India and Brazil.

Updated : Oct 01, 2026 23:07 IST , KOLKATA - 4 MINS READ

Motorcyclists ride past a graffiti featuring Brazilian football player Neymar (L) and Raphinha ahead of a FIFA international friendly football match between India and Brazil in Kolkata. | Photo Credit: AFP

For generations, Brazil’s footballing identity has lived deep in the hearts of Bengal’s football lovers. On Thursday evening, that enduring affection took on a tangible form when members of the five-time FIFA World Cup champions touched down at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport.

For a city that has long nurtured a passionate love affair with football, the arrival of one of the most iconic teams was much more than the arrival of another international side. It was a moment millions of football aficionados had waited to experience.

Kolkata’s bond with Brazilian football has always gone beyond results and trophies. The flair, creativity and freedom associated with Brazil’s ‘Jogo Bonito’ have made the Seleção an enduring symbol for generations of supporters in Bengal. The yellow jersey, the samba-inspired style and the names that have shaped Brazilian football have all found a special place in the city’s football culture.

That emotional connection provides the perfect backdrop to the FIFA international friendly in which the Indian men’s national team will face Brazil at the Salt Lake Stadium on Saturday. The encounter brings together two football cultures separated by geography but connected by an extraordinary passion for the sport.

READ | How did the five-time world champion Brazil agree to come to play in Kolkata?

“I hope that the Indian national team playing against Brazil, for example, can have an impact on grassroots football and help people encourage their children to keep believing in their potential,” said Vikash Dhorasoo, the French World Cupper and the first player of Indian origin to play at the highest level of world football. Dhorasoo will attend the match as an invitee of the All India Football Federation.

Vinicius Junior will be the biggest draw in this Brazilian side. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

“I think that is good, and they must keep going in that direction because it is a good celebration and, somehow, it is also a way to evaluate ourselves.

“It will be a huge moment, and for everyone who is on the pitch, it will also be an incredible learning experience. They will learn a lot in 90 minutes playing against Brazil,” added Dhorasoo.

As the Brazilian contingent arrived, the anticipation surrounding the friendly moved from imagination to reality. The wait was over. Brazil was finally here — and for a football-loving Bengal, that alone was reason to celebrate.

One name, in particular, stands out among the visitors — Vinicius Junior. The Real Madrid forward has emerged as one of the leading stars of the modern game, with his explosive pace and dribbling ability making him one of the most sought-after players in world football.

Vinicius first came to India as a 16-year-old youth player from the Flamengo academy, representing his club at the inaugural BRICS U-17 Football Cup in Goa in 2016. He later missed the opportunity to play in the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup, hosted by India, after Flamengo did not release him following its defeat in the Copa do Brasil final. By then, the teenager had already attracted global attention, having completed a €46 million move to Real Madrid.

Nine years later, Vinicius is on the verge of making his Indian debut in a FIFA international fixture. With Raphinha ruled out after suffering a fresh injury setback during Brazil’s previous outing in Australia, Vinicius becomes the standout attraction as Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil prepare to face the Blue Tigers.

The Brazilian squad arrived in Kolkata on a chartered flight and received a warm welcome before heading directly to their hotel from the airport.