Brazil’s midfield already boasts the proven experience of veteran Casemiro, the refined technique of Bruno Guimaraes and the daring creativity of Lucas Paqueta. It could soon be even stronger, though, with the youthful versatility of Andrey Santos.
The Chelsea midfielder is eager to showcase at the FIFA World Cup 2026™ the quality and commitment he has been displaying in a variety of roles for his club this season. Whether operating deeper or further forward, he is ready. That versatility has become the defining feature of the 21-year-old Brazilian’s game.
“I’ve also played as a holding midfielder, really focusing on helping with the build-up and breaking up the opposition’s play. I can play as a second pivot and even as the third player in the midfield,” he told FIFA ahead of Brazil’s friendlies against France and Croatia, on 26 and 31 March, respectively.
Manchester United’s Casemiro is a player Andrey really looks up to in this current Brazil squad. The young midfielder openly admires him, but also sees himself as someone who can play alongside the experienced midfielder, and eventually step into a similar role himself. “I’ve played in more than one position in the Chelsea midfield. Casemiro plays in a similar role to Moises Caicedo, who I’ve played with many times. Their styles are quite similar. They’re the kind of players who make the game easier for the players around them,” he explained.
Andrey has established himself in the Chelsea squad and is increasingly comfortable performing different duties in midfield. As the World Cup approaches, he hopes to turn that consistency in England into a place in Carlo Ancelotti’s final squad for Canada, Mexico and the USA.
“It’s no secret that my biggest dream as a player is to play in a World Cup. Every boy born in Brazil dreams of that moment,” he said. “Representing the national team that has won the most World Cups in history is something special. Carlo Ancelotti is an incredible person and I’m pleased that he counts on me. It shows I’m on the right path.”
His journey with the Seleção began back in 2023, when he was called up by Ramon Menezes for a friendly against Morocco. A lot has changed since then – after Menezes, the team was led by Fernando Diniz and Dorival Junior before Ancelotti took charge in 2025. And it is not only Brazil that has that has seen change – at the time Andrey was playing for Vasco da Gama and still finding his way in senior football.
“I’m a more complete player now. I’ve learned how to play better tactically, when to step up and press, how to cover spaces and how to position myself on the pitch. Technique will always be there, but you develop in every aspect: tactically, physically and technically. The Andrey of 2023 is different to the Andrey of 2026,” he explained.
A product of Vasco’s academy, Andrey was signed by Chelsea in 2023 and returned to London a more mature player in 2025, following a loan spell with French side Strasbourg. In France, he enjoyed a consistent run of starts under coach Liam Rosenior and caught the eye with his late runs into the box and his intensity off the ball. Rosenior has since taken charge at Chelsea.
“He was the first coach who truly believed in me as a player. We had a fantastic year at Strasbourg and that’s what allowed me to return to Chelsea,” the midfielder said, speaking about his coach. “I was very happy when he came to Chelsea. I think Rosenior is the ideal person to keep the club on the path to success. The whole squad believes in his tactical ability and his leadership,” he explained.
His growing maturity is also reflected in the way he views his role at the club. “I feel very happy. Every player works to try to play at the best clubs and in the best leagues in the world. Wearing the Chelsea shirt is a dream come true. I was welcomed warmly by the squad and the supporters from the very first day. The energy here is incredible and I hope to repay that affection. We want to win more trophies and keep Chelsea at the top, which is where the club belongs,” Andrey said.
The Chelsea contingent could also help Brazil adapt quickly if the Brazilian trio of Andrey, Estevao and Joao Pedro are all selected for the World Cup.
“Absolutely, especially with the World Cup being such a short tournament. Sometimes the understanding you build day to day can really help if things don’t quite go to plan. Joao Pedro and Estevao are great friends I’ve made in football, and they’re also unbelievable players,” the midfielder said.
Andrey also values his recent experience at the inaugural FIFA Club World Cup™ in the USA, which saw Chelsea crowned world champions. “The level at the Club World Cup was very high, and I believe that was great preparation for the upcoming World Cup. We’ve already experienced the stadiums and the climate. We played in some very hot places. So it wouldn’t be anything new if we played under similar circumstances with Brazil,” he concluded.
