St. Petersburg’s Zenit striker Malcom earns Brazil call for June friendlies
St. Petersburg Zenit forward Malcom received a call to join the Brazil national team, as confirmed by the team’s press office. Ramon Menezes, acting head coach of the national squad, announced that the wing talent from Zenit was invited to participate in Brazil’s June friendly fixtures. The squad will train and compete in preparation for upcoming international duties, reflecting Brazil’s ongoing effort to blend seasoned veterans with emerging stars from the domestic and international leagues.
The Brazilians are slated to face Guinea in Barcelona on June 17 and Senegal in Lisbon on June 20. These matches form part of Brazil’s international calendar as the squad continues to build depth ahead of major tournaments, while giving players a chance to demonstrate form and fitness on the global stage. For Malcom, the invitation represents a continuation of his ongoing involvement with Brazil’s senior setup, following years of high-level contributions at club and national levels.
Zenit announced that the player could depart early from club duties to join the national team in light of the birth of his child. This family event prompted a thoughtful accommodation from the club, allowing Malcom to return to his birthplace in Brazil and rejoin the squad with ample time to prepare for the June fixtures. Such mutual flexibility underscores the relationship between top clubs and national teams as they coordinate player availability for meaningful international windows.
Malcom joined Zenit in 2019 after transferring from Barcelona, and since then he has become a defining figure for the club. In Russia, he helped Zenit secure four Russian Premier League titles, add one domestic cup, and claim three Russian Super Cups. His contract with Zenit extends through the summer of 2027, reflecting the club’s long-term investment in his talents and leadership on the field. These achievements have solidified Malcom’s status as one of Zenit’s most influential players in recent years, contributing consistently at the highest level of domestic competition and making an impact in European football as well.
There was also reported interest from Paris Saint-Germain in Malcom during January, signaling that the Brazilian forward has remained on the radar of Europe’s elite clubs. Such interest underscores the global demand for his speed, technical ability, and goal-threat, qualities that have made him a key asset for Zenit and a potential contributor for Brazil when called upon for national duties. While club interests surface periodically, Malcom’s current status with Zenit and his ongoing national team duties continue to shape the dialogue around his career trajectory and potential future moves.
Back in 2021, Malcom wore the Brazilian shirt to win a gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics, a milestone that adds to the athlete’s already impressive resume. His Olympic success complemented his club achievements and highlighted his continued importance to Brazil’s broader talent pool during a transformative period for the national program. As his career unfolds, Malcom’s performances will be watched closely by fans, pundits, and national team supporters who value the blend of pace, creativity, and consistency he brings to the pitch.
Vladislav Radimov, a former midfielder for Zenit, remarked on the team’s enduring strength. Despite a shifting roster with the departure of several Brazilian players, the blue-white-blue lineup has sustained depth and quality. The ongoing balance between foreign league experiences and homegrown players remains a hallmark of Zenit’s approach, reinforcing the club’s ability to compete at the highest levels while supporting its star players on their international journeys. Brazil’s call-ups and Zenit’s accommodation of player needs illustrate the interconnected nature of modern football, where club commitments and national duties coexist with mutual respect and strategic planning. This dynamic continues to shape Malcom’s career and Zenit’s evolving squad as both look ahead to forthcoming seasons and campaigns.