Ancelotti Kicks Off Brazil Era Without Neymar

Carlo Ancelotti, the first foreign manager to lead Brazil in modern history, has omitted Santos’ Neymar from his squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Paraguay and Ecuador in June.

Neymar featured in Brazil’s last three World Cups, but following an injury blighted spell with Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia, he has struggled to get back to match fitness at Santos and on Monday, Ancelotti left him out of his first squad. The Italian, who has arrived in Rio de Janeiro to take on the Brazil role, said he has spoken with the Brazil star saying: “We count on his best version.”

Ancelotti included some familiar faces, including Manchester United’s Casemiro, Real Betis’s Anthony and Tottenham’s Richarlison. All three formed a part of Brazil’s World Cup squad in Qatar in 2022 when the South Americans crashed out in the last eight against Croatia following penalties. Casemiro captained the side in Qatar and returns for the first time since the tournament to the squad.

“Casemiro is a great player, I was lucky to be with him. The national team needs this player with charisma and talent. Brazil has always had a lot of talent. In modern football, you need to add attitude and commitment, and Casemiro has a lot of that. It is a fundamental aspect to prepare the team for the World Cup,” said Ancelotti.

Alexsandro from Lille in France was the only new name on the list. The Italian also included seven home-based players, including five from Flamengo. Endrick, Rodrygo and Joelinton were among the players not available because of injury.

It isAncelotti’s first time as a national team manager after a successful, managerial career spanning decades in the European club game. He succeeds Dorival Junior, who was dismissed following Brazil’s humiliating 4-1 defeat against Argentina.

On June 5, Ancelotti will debut away to Ecuador before Brazil host Paraguay in front of home fans in Sao Paulo five days later. Brazil are fourth in the World Cup qualifying table. The five-time world champions remain the only side to have participated in all World Cups.

Ancelotti is expected to restore Brazil to its former glory and expectations are the Brazilians to win the 2026 World Cup. “We’re going to put all the quality we have into practice, with the attitude, commitment and sacrifice of all of us. It’s the only way to try to qualify first and prepare ourselves well for the World Cup. I’m very confident that we can do well and form a team that can compete with anyone,” said Ancelotti.

On Tuesday, he watched Botafogo – Universidad in the Copa Libertadores.

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Alisson (Liverpool), Bento (Al-Nassr), Hugo Souza (Corinthians)

Defenders: Alex Sandro, Danilo, Leo Ortiz, Wesley (all Flamengo), Alexsandro (Lille), Lucas Beraldo (Paris Saint-Germain), Carlos Augusto (Inter Milan), Vanderson (Monaco)

Midfielders: Andreas Pereira (Fulham), Andrey Santos (Strasbourg), Bruno Guimaraes (Newcastle), Casemiro (Manchester United), Ederson (Atalanta), (Gerson)

Forwards: Antony (Real Betis), Estêvão (Palmeiras), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal), Matheus Cunha (Wolverhampton), Raphinha (Barcelona), Richarlison (Tottenham), Vinicius Júnior (Real Madrid)

Insideworldfootball.com