Internacional Exhausts Foreign Player Quota for Brasileirão
Internacional has officially reached the maximum number of foreign players permitted per match in Brazil’s domestic competitions, following the arrival of Paraguayan right-back Alan Benítez. With nine foreign athletes now on the roster, the club is at the limit established by the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) for each game in the Brasileirão and Copa do Brasil.
Foreign Limit Reached
According to CBF regulations, clubs are allowed to list up to nine foreign players in a matchday squad. While there is no limit on how many can be under contract, only nine can be called up per game. Internacional now finds itself in a delicate position, especially as it continues negotiations with Juan Portilla (Colombia) and Alan Rodríguez (Uruguay), both of whom could push the number of foreigners on the roster to eleven.
Unlike domestic tournaments, CONMEBOL’s Copa Libertadores imposes no restriction on foreign players, meaning the club would have more flexibility in continental competition.
See also
Current Squad Breakdown
Foreigners at Internacional
Starters (5):
- Sergio Rochet (Uruguay) – Goalkeeper
- Gabriel Aguirre (Argentina) – Right-back
- Alexandro Bernabei (Argentina) – Left-back
- Rafael Borré (Colombia) – Forward
- Johan Carbonero (Colombia) – Forward
Regularly Used (1):
- Enner Valencia (Ecuador) – Forward
Reserves (3):
- Gabriel Mercado (Argentina) – Centre-back
- Alan Benítez (Paraguay) – Right-back
- Óscar Romero (Paraguay) – Midfielder
With nine foreigners already active, coach Roger Machado will need to carefully select who makes each domestic matchday squad, especially if Portilla or Rodríguez are signed.
Tactical and Management Challenges
This development places additional pressure on Roger Machado, who will need to manage:
- Squad rotation based on match importance and player fitness
- Tactical adjustments due to absences
- Potential exclusions of experienced players from league matches
Such decisions may become easier amid injuries, suspensions, and fixture congestion in the second half of the season.
Looking Ahead
As Internacional prepares for a packed calendar involving the Brasileirão, Copa do Brasil, and Copa Libertadores, the club’s depth will be tested. While the Libertadores offers more freedom in player selection, domestic restrictions could leave key names sidelined on matchdays.
Further transfers could force the club to offload or loan foreign talent or simply rotate more aggressively.
