In a thrilling match against Colombia, Brazil's goalkeeper Bento made headlines as he stepped in to replace Alisson, who suffered a head injury during gameplay. The match, held on March 20, 2025, at the Estádio Mané Garrincha in Brasília, concluded with Brazil winning 2-1, securing vital points in the World Cup 2026 Qualifiers.
Bento's call-up marked the seventh time he has donned the Brazilian jersey, showcasing not only his talent but also the confidence the coaching staff has in him. Fans and family gathered in Brasília to support him, including his parents, Gerson and Rose, who shared their pride in watching their son represent his country. Gerson recalled, “Since he started, he stood out. When he began, he had no experience in goal. He was born to be a goalkeeper!”
Initially recognized for his defensive prowess in Curitiba, the now 23-year-old goalie began his journey in football first as a defender and later as a lateral. However, after showcasing immense potential, he transitioned to the goalkeeper position at the age of 9. His exceptional performance with Athletico Paranaense eventually led to a record-breaking transfer to Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia for approximately R$107 million, making him the most expensive goalkeeper in Brazilian football history.
Despite concerns that playing in a developing league like Saudi Arabia might jeopardize his position with the national team, Bento proved his worth by consistently being called up, first under coach Fernando Diniz and now with Dorival Júnior. “Last year, he was a starter in two opportunities against England and Spain,” recalled Rose, reflecting on Bento’s ascent in the world of football.
The match against Colombia showcased the depth of Brazil's squad and the impact of their substitutes. The incident with Alisson unfolded dramatically in the 70th minute when he collided with Colombian defender Davinson Sánchez. The collision left both players needing medical attention and resulted in a stoppage that lasted over seven minutes.
Following the FIFA concussion protocol, which allows extra substitutions, Bento entered the pitch, taking over duties in goal for the final twenty minutes of the match. While Bento did not face serious testing during that time, he helped maintain Brazil's lead until a last-minute goal from Vinícius Júnior secured the victory.
Post-match, concerns lingered regarding Alisson’s condition. Reported to have suffered a concussion, he is likely to miss the upcoming match against Argentina on March 25, prompting speculation about Bento’s chance to be the starting goalkeeper. With clear indications from Brazil's medical staff, Alisson may need a week's rest to recover fully.
Bento's debut in a competitive international match marked a significant milestone in his career. Previously, he had only appeared in friendly fixtures, which included two matches where he excelled against top-tier teams like England and Spain. His ascent from a rookie to an essential player signifies not just personal growth but also a testament to Brazilian football's nurturing ground for young talent.
As anticipation builds for the next match, key players like Bento will be crucial in Brazil's quest for World Cup qualification. The team’s depth and adaptability will be tested as they navigate these elimination rounds, showcasing the emerging stars such as Bento who are stepping into vital roles.
Brazil remains in strong contention to secure a spot in the upcoming World Cup, and as players like Bento continue to rise, fans are equally eager to see how they will perform on the international stage. With each match, they are reminded of the incredible journey and hard work that leads to wearing the storied green and yellow jersey.
