Dell Aims for U-17 World Cup Success with Brazil in Qatar

In preparation for the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar, Brazilian forward Wendeson Wanderley Santos de Melo, known as Dell, is enthusiastic about representing his country on the global stage. The tournament, set to begin on November 4, 2025, will see Brazil kick off its campaign against Honduras.

Dell has garnered attention for his impressive scoring ability, earning the nickname “Hinterland Haaland” due to his roots in northeastern Brazil and his goal-scoring prowess. The young player expressed his admiration for superstar Erling Haaland, stating, “Haaland is the player I look up to the most. Whenever I can, I watch his matches and videos, studying his positioning and movement in and around the box.” Embracing the nickname, he views it as a source of inspiration.

Rapid Rise and National Team Impact

Dell’s trajectory in football has been remarkable. In 2023, he netted 40 goals in 34 games for Bahia’s U-17 team, leading to promotions to the U-20 squad and the senior team. His performance in the South American U-17 Championship was pivotal, where he scored the only goal in the semi-final against Chile and converted the decisive penalty in the final against Colombia.

Reflecting on his success, Dell remarked, “There’s no big secret. It’s the result of hard work at Bahia and with the national team. The goals were crucial in helping us win the title, and I’m grateful for every moment.”

Now, under the guidance of coach Dudu Patetuci, Dell prepares to represent Brazil alongside his Bahia teammates, Ruan Pablo and goalkeeper Arthur Jampa. This marks a historic moment, as it is the first time three players from Bahia have been selected for a U-17 World Cup.

Aiming for Glory on the World Stage

As Brazil gears up for the tournament, Dell expressed pride in competing alongside his club teammates. “It’s special to represent Brazil alongside my club teammates. We’ve trained together every day at Bahia, and now we’ll aim to make our fans proud on the world stage,” he stated.

The 2025 U-17 World Cup promises to be the largest edition yet, featuring 48 teams and culminating in a final at Khalifa International Stadium, a venue that hosted matches during the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Despite the excitement, Dell remains focused on Brazil’s goal of securing the championship.

“Playing for Brazil is a dream come true,” he noted. “We won the South American title; now it’s time to go for the World Cup. I hope to give my best and help the team reach the final.”

As the tournament approaches, all eyes will be on Dell and the Brazilian squad as they strive for glory in Qatar.