Brazil Dominates South Korea 5-0 in Friendly, Rodrygo Shines in Triumphant Return
Brazil defeats South Korea 5-0 in Seoul with Rodrygo's remarkable comeback highlighted and a tribute to Pelé's 85th birthday.
- • Brazil beats South Korea 5-0 in a friendly match in Seoul.
- • Rodrygo scores twice, marking a strong comeback after six months away.
- • Estêvão also scores twice, becoming Ancelotti's top scorer.
- • Brazil wears a special patch honoring Pelé's 85th birthday.
Key details
In a commanding friendly match in Seoul on October 10, 2025, Brazil’s national football team overwhelmed South Korea with a decisive 5-0 victory, showcasing a revitalized offensive prowess under new coach Carlo Ancelotti. The Brazilian squad honored the 85th birthday of the legendary Pelé with a special patch on their uniforms, highlighting the enduring legacy of the football icon.
Brazil’s victory was marked by standout performances from forwards Rodrygo and Estêvão, each netting two goals, while Vini Jr. added another to the tally. Rodrygo’s return to the national team after a six-month hiatus was especially notable; his two goals in this match have elevated him to the top scorer of the current cycle with eight goals. Estêvão, meanwhile, has emerged as Ancelotti’s top scorer with three goals.
The match saw Brazil’s attacking quartet operate with dynamic coordination, consistently pressuring and confusing the South Korean defense. The first goal was scored by Estêvão in the 12th minute following a precise pass from Bruno Guimarães. The scoreboard was further expanded shortly before halftime with a goal by Casemiro. The second half maintained Brazil's dominance with Rodrygo finishing off a brilliant assist from Matheus Cunha in the 33rd minute.
Rodrygo’s resurgence comes after a challenging six months marked by personal and physical setbacks, including strained relations at his club Real Madrid and limited playing time. Speaking about his return, he noted that this period allowed him to recharge and prepare mentally and physically for top performance. His prolific display against South Korea has strengthened his candidacy for a starting position in upcoming national team fixtures.
Following this match, Brazil will continue their World Cup preparations with a friendly against Japan in Tokyo on October 17. These matches serve as a prelude to the 2026 World Cup, with Ancelotti’s squad aiming to fine-tune their tactics and finalize their roster.