Singapore could hold a special place in Allan’s career as the Manchester City youngster prepares for a potential senior international debut after earning his first call-up to the Brazil national team.
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday (10 November) ahead of the Mizuho Blue Challenge – The Kallang Football Series Singapore, Allan expressed his excitement at joining Carlo Ancelotti’s squad, which will face Japan on Saturday (14 November) and Singapore on Tuesday (17 November) at the National Stadium.
“Singapore will always stay in my mind and my heart because this is my first call-up to the national team,” said Allan.
“I hope to have a good experience here and perform well in both training and matches.”
The call-up marks another significant milestone for the young Brazilian, who has progressed from Palmeiras’ academy to Manchester City and now trains alongside established internationals such as Vinícius Júnior, Raphinha and Endrick.
Despite his rapid rise, Allan admitted that joining the senior national team for the first time has been an emotional experience.
“I’m very happy to be here, but I’m also really nervous,” he said, adding that he and the other first-time call-ups have been talking about their debut.
Allan also credited his family for helping him manage the nerves of representing his country for the first time.
“My father helps me by reminding me that I’m capable too, and that I’m here because I have talent,” he said.
“It’s difficult to arrive and see players like Raphinha, Vini Júnior and Endrick around you for the first time. But once I step onto the pitch, I can put those thoughts aside. I forget everything else and focus completely on my performance.”
Endrick backs former Palmeiras teammate
Among those helping Allan settle into the Brazil squad is Real Madrid forward Endrick, who came through the Palmeiras youth system alongside him.
The pair have known each other for years, and Endrick believes his former academy teammate has the qualities to establish himself at international level.
“He’s a very good player,” Endrick said.
“People in Brazil know what a good player he is. He’s made a good start at Manchester City, and I think he’ll have a great career. I expect him to do very well for the national team.”
The 20-year-old also expressed his excitement at the prospect of sharing the pitch with Allan again.
“I’m looking forward to playing with him again – and I hope he gives me an assist!”
For Allan, having a familiar face in the dressing room has helped ease his transition into the national team environment.
“I’ve tried to spend more time with Endrick. He’s helped me communicate, even in the dressing room,” Allan said.
“When you’re new, it’s really important to have someone you already know and can talk to. That’s helped me a lot.”
Young Brazilians determined to seize their opportunities
Both players are part of a new generation of Brazilian talent looking to establish themselves in Ancelotti’s plans, despite facing intense competition for regular playing time at their respective clubs.
Endrick, who has been managing expectations since emerging as one of Brazil’s most promising young talents, acknowledged the pressure that comes with representing Real Madrid and the national team.
“I know it brings a lot of pressure, but I have to keep working and doing things well,” he said.
“God willing, one day I’ll be able to achieve what people expect of me. For now, I need to keep working and doing what I know best: enjoying football.”
The forward also stressed that selection for Brazil is a privilege that must be continually earned.
“Not just me, but Allan, Estêvão, and all the young players are very happy to have the responsibility of representing Brazil,” he said.
“We have to earn that privilege in every training session and every match by giving everything for the country.”
Allan echoed those sentiments, pointing to the patience he developed while progressing through Palmeiras’ academy.
“I’ve always believed in the process,” he said.
“Even if I’m not playing or only getting a few minutes, I have to keep working. The opportunity will come at the right time, and I need to be ready.”
Brazil turn attention to Japan and Singapore
Brazil’s upcoming friendlies in Singapore will offer Ancelotti another opportunity to assess his squad as the five-time world champions continue building towards future international competitions.
Endrick, who has already played in major tournaments with Brazil, including the recent FIFA World Cup, believes the matches will help build continuity in the team.
“We know Japan have very good, experienced players, and this next match will be no different,” he said.
“It will be a good test for us in this new cycle, and I hope we can play well and win.”
Looking further ahead, Endrick reiterated his ambition to help Brazil return to the pinnacle of international football.
“We all want to become world champions again. That’s why we come together during every international window and train hard.”
