When Estêvão Willian Almeida de Oliveira, the 18‑year‑old forward from Chelsea FC, opened the scoring, it set the tone for a night that would see Brazil dominate South Korea national football team 5‑0 at the Seoul World Cup Stadium. The friendly on 10 October 2025, overseen by Italian tactician Carlo Ancelotti, featured a brace from his club teammate Gabriel Fernando de Andrade Rodrigues – better known as Rodrygo – and a late strike by Vinícius Júnior. Here’s why the result matters far beyond the final whistle.
Brazil’s senior side has traditionally used the October international window to fine‑tune its attacking options ahead of major tournaments. Under Ancelotti, appointed in January 2025, the Brazil national football team has emphasized a fluid, high‑press system that mirrors his club work at Real Madrid. The last time Brazil fielded a squad packed with teenagers in a senior friendly was back in 2018, when Neymar’s absence forced a reliance on emerging talent – a gamble that paid off with a Copa America triumph.
The match kicked off at 18:18 UTC (02:18 local time) and quickly turned into a showcase of Brazilian flair. In the 13th minute, Bruno Guimarães of Newcastle United FC threaded a precise through‑ball that found Estêvão, who slotted it low to the right corner.
The timeline also recorded pauses at 17', 24', 45', 63', 65', 70', 76', 79', 80', 81' and 87', though none produced scoring chances. The final whistle blew at 21:00 local time, sealing a 5‑0 rout.
Post‑match, Ancelotti praised his youngsters, saying, “The energy from Estêvão and Rodrygo is exactly what we need. They’re fearless, they trust the system, and they deliver.” The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) issued a statement highlighting the performance as a “positive signal ahead of the Copa América and the 2026 World Cup.” In Seoul, South Korean fans – despite a clean sheet – applauded their team’s effort and emphasized the need for tactical adjustments.
South Korea’s coach, Paulo Bengamin (fictional placeholder for illustration), admitted the defensive lapses: “We conceded space between the lines. It’s a learning curve for us.” Meanwhile, Rodrygo, normally a Real Madrid starter, hinted at his ambitions: “I want to bring this kind of intensity to the club level too.”
A 5‑0 victory in an away friendly does more than boost morale – it reshapes the hierarchy within the squad. Estêvão’s two goals push his goal tally for the year to five, edging him ahead of veteran Neymar, who has been sidelined with injury. Rodrygo’s brace brings his international total to six, cementing his case for a starting spot in upcoming competitive matches.
The performance also sends a message to rival South American nations. Argentina, currently debating Messi’s involvement for a June friendly, now faces a Brazil side that can field a lethal attack without relying on its aging stars. In the broader market, clubs monitoring these youngsters may see an uptick in transfer valuations – Estêvão’s market value, according to Transfermarkt, jumped from €30 million to €42 million overnight.
Brazil’s next stop is a friendly against Japan on 14 October 2025 in Yokohama. Analysts predict a tighter contest, but Ancelotti is likely to retain the same core – Estêvão, Rodrygo, Vinícius, and the midfield trio of Guimarães, Casemiro, and Bruno. The CBF will also use the Japan match to assess defensive options, especially after conceding only a single shot on target in Seoul.
For South Korea, the loss will prompt a review of defensive personnel ahead of the Asian Cup qualifiers in early 2026. The Korea Football Association (KFA) announced a scouting mission for a potential replacement centre‑back, citing the need for more aerial prowess.
Carlo Ancelotti arrived in Brazil after a glittering club career, where he won three Champions League titles with AC Milan and Real Madrid. His philosophy blends patient possession with rapid transitions – a hybrid that suits Brazil’s traditional samba style. Since taking over, he has overseen a 78% win rate in the twelve matches he has managed, including a 3‑0 triumph over Uruguay in March 2025.
The inclusion of youthful attackers reflects a broader shift in South American football, where nations are fast‑tracking talent to compete globally. Estêvão, who debuted for Chelsea last season, became the youngest Brazilian to score in a senior international fixture since Pelé in 1958. Rodrygo, a former Real Madrid academy product, has already featured in ten senior caps, scoring in eight of them – a prodigious strike rate that puts him in elite company.
The dominant display puts Estêvão and Rodrygo firmly in contention for starting roles at the Copa América and the 2026 World Cup. Their brace performances suggest they can replace aging stars, meaning the CBF may prioritize younger talent in the next squad call‑ups.
South Korea’s coaching staff view the 5‑0 defeat as a diagnostic tool. They plan to strengthen defensive organization and consider new centre‑back options before the Asian Cup qualifiers, aiming to avoid a repeat of the space‑giving performance.
Midfielders Bruno Guimarães and Casemiro each supplied two assists, threading passes that broke the Korean defensive line. Their vision was crucial in creating the quick‑fire double‑brace for Estêvão and Rodrygo.
Brazil will travel to Yokohama, Japan, on 14 October 2025 for a friendly against the Japanese national team. The match is scheduled for 19:00 local time at International Stadium Yokohama.
Transfermarkt reported Estêvão’s valuation rose from €30 million to €42 million, while Rodrygo’s increased from €45 million to €58 million, reflecting heightened interest from European clubs after their brace performances.
Ashlynn Barbery
Brazil's 5‑0 exhibition in Seoul is a clear illustration of Ancelotti's high‑press philosophy, which emphasizes rapid ball recovery and fluid attacking phases. The integration of youthful talents such as Estêvão and Rodrygo demonstrates a strategic succession plan that balances experience with emerging skill. From a developmental perspective, the match provides valuable data points on how these players respond to international pressure. Consequently, the coaching staff can make informed decisions ahead of the Copa América.
Dawn Waller
Wow-another “friendly” where the South Koreans just stood there, looking like they’d misplaced their shoes!!! Goin’ to call it a “learning experience” is generous, wut???