Key Takeaways
- Neymar, Casemiro and Danilo will no longer be part of Brazil's national team plans.
- Coach Carlo Ancelotti aims to build a younger squad for the 2028 Copa America.
- Ancelotti signed a contract with Brazil in June 2025 but remains committed.
Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti has announced that Neymar, Casemiro and Danilo will no longer be part of the national team plans. The decision comes as Ancelotti looks to build a younger squad for the upcoming 2028 Copa America.
Neymar, who is 34 years old, recently retired from international play after Brazil's exit in the round of 16 at the World Cup against Norway. Midfielder Casemiro and defender Danilo, both aged 34 and 35 respectively, have not yet announced their retirements but are expected to follow suit.
Ancelotti stated that this World Cup marks the end of a generation of important players, including Neymar, Danilo, and Casemiro. He emphasized the need for new talent: 'We are going to map out new players who can enter, I’m not saying for the next World Cup in 2030, but who can already be competitive in the first objective, which is the Copa America in 2028.'
The Brazilian national team has struggled recently, reaching the semi-finals of the World Cup only once since their record fifth victory in 2002. They have not won the Copa America since 2019.
Ancelotti plans to keep some key players like Marquinhos who can continue the work and provide continuity. However, he is confident that bringing in a new generation will be beneficial for Brazil's future prospects: 'I think it’s important that you stay to give a sign of continuity to the work. But the idea is to change, to bring in a new generation.'
Despite being approached by the Italian soccer federation (FIGC) for the role of Italy manager, Ancelotti remains committed to his position with Brazil: 'There was simply contact from the federation, but it’s not a contract issue, it’s a matter of commitment. I have a commitment to Brazil not because I signed the contract. I have a commitment based on the year I spent here, I was very well received, and I don’t want to break that commitment.'
Brazil will face Australia in two friendly matches in September as they prepare for their next major tournament. The team's focus now is on transitioning smoothly to this new era while maintaining the legacy of past successes.
'I think this World Cup marks the end of a generation of very important players.'
Carlo Ancelotti, Brazil coach
'We are going to map out new players who can enter, I’m not saying for the next World Cup in 2030, but who can already be competitive in the first objective, which is the Copa America in 2028.'
Carlo Ancelotti, Brazil coach
