With Bento Matheus’s participation for Al Nassr cooling recently, Brazil opened the door for his return as the first-choice goalkeeper, after he featured in the Seleção’s friendlies and showed notable form.
International Shine
Bento starred for Brazil in a commanding 5-0 victory over South Korea, keeping a clean sheet and preparing for another friendly against Japan, stepping in for the injured first-choice Alisson Becker who missed time with Liverpool.
Global confidence
Carlo Ancelotti’s trust in Bento as a Saudi Pro League goalkeeper helped him regain much of his confidence after a hard stumble at the start of the current season.
The Super Cup Blunder
Bento faced criticism from fans and was challenged by captain Cristiano Ronaldo for a reckless early exit from his goal in the Super Cup final against Al Ahli, allowing an equalizer by Ibanez and turning the match to penalties where Al Nassr lost the title.
That mistake cooled the coach Jorge Jesus’s confidence, who began to lean on international stopper Nawaf Al-Aqidi, who had regained form after a successful loan with Al Fateh last season and became the first-choice option.
While Al-Aqidi remains the league starter, Bento’s role is largely limited to secondary competitions.
International form could pressure Jesus
Bento’s strong return with Brazil could force Jesus to give him another chance, though the decision could upset Al-Aqidi if the latter maintains his form for Brazil in World Cup 2026 qualifiers.
Keepers’ stats
Bento has played 55 matches for Al Nassr, conceding 57 goals and keeping 19 clean sheets; Nawaf Al-Aqidi has 42 appearances, 43 goals conceded, 13 clean sheets; Raghad Al-Najjar has 10 games, 8 goals conceded, 5 clean sheets, including a decisive penalty save against Riyadh, highlighting Nassr’s depth in goalkeeping.
Nassr’s ambitions
The club started the season strong, winning the first four league games and leading the table with 12 points, along with a 5-0 victory over Istiklol Dushanbe in the AFC Champions League. October looms as a crucial period for domestic and continental duties; Bento’s form could influence his standing, while Al-Aqidi’s continued brilliance keeps the competition open. Nassr’s packed schedule aims to sustain momentum in the league and chase continental glory.
With the calendar full, the “Worldie” hopes to maintain momentum across league and continental campaigns. And if gloves could talk, Bento’s would say, “Let there be confidence.”
Sniper joke #1: If gloves had résumés, Bento’s would read: “Master of saves, excellent grip on drama.”
Sniper joke #2: And if you think goalkeeping is easy, try catching a punchline—Bento just did, and the crowd cheered.
