'We dream about it' - Ibanez & family longing for Brazil World Cup call-up

The smile stretching across Roger Ibanez's face said it all.

For sure, the Al Ahli defender was delighted in the 2-1 triumph at Al Taawoun, a result that almost secured the Asian champions a third-placed finish in this season’s Roshn Saudi League.

And, yes, Ibanez would’ve taken particular pleasure in his role in that, for it was his thumping 79th-minute header that sealed the win in Buraidah. You’d imagine, too, that being voted Man of the Match warmed his heart as well.

But, for all that, it was the news travelled from far beyond the Kingdom that brought out the beam.

As he posed with a fourth Man of the Match award this term, Ibanez was promptly informed that he'd been included in Brazil’s provisional squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which takes place a month from now.

"Man, I'm happy, I'm happy," Ibanez confirmed, even if his visage already conveyed a contentment. "It's a dream, a privilege to be able to participate in the Brazil team. As I always say, we have to keep working, keep doing our best to be ready if the call-up happens.

"We dream about it, me and my family. We hope for it. But we have to stay focused, keep working, do what I'm doing, and wait to see if I'm going to be called up."

That’s what happened ahead of the most recent international break. In March, Ibanez’s fabulous form for Al Ahli was rewarded with a place in Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil get-together for the friendlies against France and Croatia.

Ibanez, who before that was last called into the national team way back in 2023, featured in both games. Obviously, and his case no doubt aided by last month lifting a second successive AFC Champions League Elite title, the Al Ahli centre-back made a mark.

To be fair, ibanez has been doing that in Jeddah for the best part of three seasons. There are those twin continental crowns - Al Ahli have as many as Ibanez himself - and a Saudi Super Cup, captured last summer.

And, even if the RSL trophy has once again eluded him, Ibanez can seek solace in another consistent campaign. Not that it’s completely done yet.

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"The season was very good," he said. "We managed to win the Champions League. We were fighting for the championship - we made a mistake against Al Nassr [Al Ahli lost to the RSL leaders earlier this month in a fiery encounter] - but we want to continue strong until the last game.

"This is our focus. We want to reach the best number of points [a possible 81] that Al Ahli has ever had in the Saudi Pro League. So this is our goal until the end of the season."