Brazil's Dell. PIC: FIFA
Doha, Qatar: Wendeson Wanderley Santos de Melo better known as Dell is embracing the huge privilege of wearing the Brazil shirt as the nation gears up for the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025.
The teenage forward, affectionately dubbed the “Hinterland Haaland” for his goalscoring prowess and northeastern Brazil roots, told FIFA he thrives on the comparisons with Erling Haaland.
“Haaland is the player I look up to the most,” Dell said. “Whenever I can, I watch his matches and videos, studying his positioning and movement in and around the box.” Far from shying away from the nickname, he sees it as inspiration.
“I like it because he’s someone I admire – I’m used to it now.”
Dell’s rise has been meteoric. In 2023, he scored 40 goals in 34 games for Bahia’s U-17s, earning promotions to the U-20s and the senior squad. Earlier this year, he played a starring role in Brazil’s South American U-17 Championship campaign, netting the lone goal in the semi-final against Chile and calmly converting the decisive penalty in the shootout against Colombia in the final.
“There’s no big secret,” he laughed. “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 Dell will step onto the global stage in Qatar under coach Dudu Patetuci, with Brazil kicking off their campaign against Honduras on 4 November. It is the first time three Bahia players have been called up together for a U-17 World Cup, with Dell joined by forward Ruan Pablo and goalkeeper Arthur Jampa.
“It’s special to represent Brazil alongside my club teammates,” Dell said.
“We’ve trained together every day at Bahia, and now we’ll aim to make our fans proud on the world stage.”
The 2025 edition promises to be the biggest U-17 World Cup ever, with 48 teams competing and the final at Khalifa International Stadium, a venue of the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Keeping his feet on the ground, Dell remains focused on Brazil’s title ambitions.
“Playing for Brazil is a dream come true,” he said.
“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.”
