The impact of Tottenham Hotspur's difficult season is now beginning to extend beyond north London, with Richarlison's status for Brazil becoming a topic of discussion ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
The striker has long been a reliable option for Carlo Ancelotti. Their relationship dates back to their time together at Everton, when the Italian became increasingly dependent on Richarlison as a key attacking figure.
This relationship carried over to the Brazil setup, where the Tottenham forward continued to receive opportunities even during an inconsistent period at club level.
Richarlison featured in Ancelotti's first four call-ups. Despite not scoring he appeared in six matches, including two starts.
Even as his minutes fluctuated at Tottenham, the Brazilian coach continued to value his profile – physical presence, aerial ability and work rate – as something different within the team.
Tottenham struggling to lose weight
Tottenham's season has been nothing short of turbulent. The club is suffering a poor run of results, struggling for consistency and getting uncomfortably close to the relegation zone.
The situation in Europe has not been very good. Spurs suffered a heavy 5–2 defeat to Atlético Madrid, effectively ending their Champions League hopes despite the formalities of the second leg still pending.
In that environment, Richardson is trying to rebuild momentum after another injury setback. The Brazilian missed several weeks between January and February due to a thigh problem.
Since returning under Igor Tudor, he has appeared in five matches. During that spell, he scored twice – including a decisive goal against Liverpool – and also added an assist. Although he has not changed Tottenham's collective form, He has at least shown signs of personal acuity.
There is also increasing clarity regarding the future of his club. As we recently coveredTottenham and Richarlison have already agreed that he will leave at the end of the season.
The decision is said to have been taken after internal talks, with both sides considering June 2026 as the right time to move forward. There is no pressure involved, but rather a shared understanding about what will happen next in their careers.
Tottenham have also scheduled an assessment ahead of the summer window. The club are expected to demand around £21.5m (€25m) for the striker, with this figure likely to guide negotiations.
Ancelotti and Richardson: trust built over time
Richarlison's importance to Brazil is not based on numbers alone. He was the team's key striker at the 2022 World Cup, scoring three goals and establishing himself as a reference point in attack.
Since then, despite injuries and irregular club form, he has largely maintained Ancelotti's support. The Italian has often shown a willingness to prioritize familiarity and tactical fit over pure club performance, particularly in transitional periods.
This context helps explain why their absence from the list of Brazil's final international friendlies before the 2026 World Cup has been highlighted this week.
Brazil's decision confirmed
As highlighted in this news bolavip In Brazil, for the first time under Ancelotti, Richarlison has been left out of the squad despite being fit and available.
The report suggests that his absence says more about the current situation at Tottenham than the player himself. With Spurs struggling badly, it appears the wider context has influenced the decision.
This marks a clear change. Prior to this, Richarlison had remained a part of the team even without strong club momentum. Now, with competition for the No. 9 role increasing and the World Cup approaching, the margin for error has become less.
what happens next
Richardson is now entering the decisive phase. With the World Cup around the corner, every performance takes on extra importance.
Tottenham's clash may complicate his case, but the Brazilian is at least beginning to show signs of life after returning from injury. If he continues to contribute goals and assists, he may yet be forced back into Ancelotti's plans.
However, for the first time, there is a clear indication that trust in the past alone may no longer be enough.
🇦🇷 Christian Romero | respect and affection for tottenham
🤍 Defender questioned over transfer – changes angle
💬 Explains the feelings for Spurs, but doesn't rule out the summer being gone... 👇https://t.co/HvSTngEh6z #thfc #Happiness- Sports Witness (@Sport_Witness) 19 March 2026
