Neymar Omitted: Ancelotti’s Brazil Squad Revealed
- Carlo Ancelotti, the new Brazil coach, has revealed his first squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers, notably leaving out Neymar.
- Brazil is set to play Ecuador on June 5 and host Paraguay on June 10 as they continue their journey toward World Cup qualification.
- Neymar,Brazil's all-time leading scorer,recently returned to action for Santos after recovering from a muscular injury.
Ancelotti makes a bold move, revealing Brazil’s squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers, and Neymar is notably absent. Casemiro and Richarlison return,bolstering the team for crucial matches against Ecuador and Paraguay in June. The omission sparks immediate discussion, notably given Neymar’s recent return to action.The coach emphasized selecting players in top form, signaling a shift in strategy. News Directory 3 would have you know that Brazil currently sits fourth in the South American group. Discover what’s next for the Seleção as they navigate these pivotal qualifying games.
Ancelotti announces Brazil Squad; Neymar Omitted for World Cup Qualifiers
Updated May 26, 2025
Carlo Ancelotti, the new Brazil coach, has revealed his first squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers,
notably leaving out Neymar. Though, experienced players like Casemiro, Richarlison, and Antony are back in
the Brazil squad.
Brazil is set to play Ecuador on June 5 and host Paraguay on June 10 as they continue their journey toward
World Cup qualification. The team currently sits fourth in the South American group.
Neymar,Brazil’s all-time leading scorer,recently returned to action for Santos after recovering from a
muscular injury. He had been sidelined from international duty since October 2023 due to a torn ACL and
meniscus.
Ancelotti emphasized his selection criteria, stating, “I tried to select players who are in good shape.Neymar
had an injury recently. Everyone knows that Neymar is a very important player, he always has been and always
will be.”
Casemiro and Richarlison, both key players, also return to the squad after missing international games since
October 2023.
Ancelotti spoke highly of Casemiro, with whom he previously worked at Real Madrid. “In my opinion, he is a
great player. I was lucky to be with him.I think the national team needs this type of player who has
charisma, personality, talent. Brazil has always had a lot of talent. In modern soccer, you have to add
attitude, commitment, sacrifice, and Casemiro has that.”
ALMEIDA/AFP via Getty Images
Antony, who has been on loan at Real Betis from Manchester United, joins Raphinha and Vinícius Júnior as
forward options for Ancelotti.
“It’s hard to say, as Vini hasn’t shown his best side yet,” Ancelotti said of Vinícius Júnior. “If that
hasn’t happened, it will, because he’s an extraordinary player, hard-working and a fighter. The truth is that
Brazilian players are very fond of their national team, and this may effect their natural thinking, in the
sense that sometimes they feel a lot of pressure to perform well. This may prevent them from performing well.
I am totally convinced that Vini will show his true colors with his national team.”
Brazil Squad:
| Position | Players |
|---|---|
| Goalkeepers | Alisson (Liverpool), Bento (Al nassr), hugo Souza (Corinthians) |
| Defenders | Alexsandro (Flamengo), Alexsandro Ribeiro (Lille), BERALDO (PSG), Carlos Augusto (Inter Milan), danilo (Flamengo), Leo Ortiz (Flamengo), Marquinhos (PSG), vanderson (Monaco), Wesley (Flemish) |
| Midfielders | Andreas Pereira (Fulham), Andrey Santos (Strasbourg), Bruno Guimarães (Newcastle), Casemiro (Manchester United), Éderson (Atalanta), Gerson (flamengo) |
| Forwards | antony (Betis), stephen (Palmeiras), Gabriel Theminies (Arsenal), Matheus Cunha (Wolverhampton), Raphinha (Barcelona), Richarlison (Tottenham), Vinícius Júnior (Real Madrid) |
What’s next
The focus for Ancelotti and the Brazil squad now shifts to preparing for the crucial World Cup qualifiers against
Ecuador and Paraguay. The coach aims to solidify the team’s position in the South American group and secure a
spot in the next world Cup.