Manchester City defender Vitor Reis has received his first senior Brazil call-up after establishing himself as a key figure during his loan spell at Girona.
The 20-year-old will join Carlo Ancelotti’s squad for Tuesday’s friendly against Croatia in Orlando, arriving in the United States on Friday.
The timing is no coincidence. Vitor Reis has grown into one of Girona’s most reliable players this season, becoming a regular starter in LaLiga.
ESPN Brazil says he is currently the Brazilian with the most minutes played in the competition, underlining both his consistency and importance within the team.
That prominence reflects the success of Manchester City’s development plan. Since arriving in Spain, the defender has secured a central role and rarely leaves the pitch.
He has played 27 league matches, starting 26, and logging over 2,300 minutes. Across those appearances, he has recorded 163 clearances and 77 recoveries, while being dribbled past just seven times.
In possession, he has completed 1,277 passes with a 90.8% accuracy, showing clear alignment with Pep Guardiola’s demands.
Surprise call in the early hours
The Brazil call-up arrived in unexpected fashion. According toESPN Brazil, Vitor Reis was asleep when he received a call from national team coordinator Rodrigo Caetano at around 3am local time.
He woke up to the news that he needed to travel immediately to Orlando to join the squad. Neither the Manchester City owned player nor his entourage expected a call at this stage.
After the conversation, Vitor Reis quickly informed his family and representatives. He then made arrangements to travel to the United States within hours. The sudden nature of the call highlights how quickly his rise is being recognised at international level.
It is his first senior call-up, but his great form has already caught attention in Brazil before. As we covered recently, a Palmeiras (his former club) academy director, who worked with Vitor Reis at youth level, said “he will be Brazil’s centre-back for the next three or four World Cups”.
Reward for a breakout season
Vitor Reis earns this opportunity after months of consistent performances in Spain. Girona have relied on him heavily throughout the campaign, with the Brazilian becoming a pillar in their defensive structure.
The loan move was designed to provide minutes and continuity. It has done exactly that. In addition to his defensive work, he has contributed one goal, one assist and eight chances created. His growing influence in possession has also stood out, with regular involvement in Girona’s build-up play.
From Manchester City’s perspective, the signs are very positive. The defender is gaining experience in a system that shares similarities with Guardiola’s approach, which should ease his transition when he returns to England.
What happens next
Vitor Reis is expected to return to Manchester City after his loan spell ends this summer. This first senior Brazil call-up strengthens his case ahead of that step.
The coming months will be important for both club and country. If he maintains his current level, he could arrive at the Etihad with real momentum.
For now, Manchester City will view this recognition as further evidence that their long-term investment is moving in the right direction.