RIO DE JANEIRO, Sept. 5 -- Everton forward Richarlison has been handed Brazil's storied No. 9 shirt for friendlies against the United States and El Salvador, the Brazilian Football Confederation said Wednesday.
Richarlison will wear the number made famous by legendary strikers such as Tostao and Ronaldo, who spearheaded Brazil's World Cup triumphs in 1970 and 2002 respectively.
The last player to don the No. 9 shirt for the Selecao was Gabriel Jesus, who is absent from coach Tite's current squad after a disappointing World Cup in Russia.
Brazil face the United States in New Jersey on Friday and El Salvador in Washington four days later.
Richarlison was drafted into the Selecao squad last week after Fluminense striker Pedro was ruled out of the friendlies with a knee injury.
The 21-year-old has scored three goals in as many Premier League matches since joining Everton from Watford for a reported fee of 40 million British pounds (around 51 million US dollars) in July.