Brazil’s national team manager, Carlo Ancelotti, has made a surprising decision by including the experienced Neymar Junior in the squad for the upcoming World Cup. The 34-year-old attacker, who has faced significant injury challenges in recent seasons and hasn’t represented the Seleção since October 2023, was a notable inclusion.
Ancelotti, who took over the managerial role last summer, explained his rationale for recalling Neymar, emphasizing the player’s potential to foster a positive team environment. “He can help create a good atmosphere within the group and bring out the best in everyone,” Ancelotti stated, as reported by Marca. “I don’t want stars, I want players who are willing to help the team win games.”
The manager was also clear that Neymar’s inclusion does not guarantee him a starting position on the field. “I see him playing more centrally. I want to be clear, clean, and honest: he will play if he deserves to play,” Ancelotti added. “He’s an important player and he’ll be an important player in this World Cup. He’ll have the same obligations as the other 25; he might play or he might not, he might be on the bench and come on…”
Limited La Liga Representation
The current Brazil squad features a relatively low number of players from Spanish football, with only three being called up by Ancelotti. From Barcelona, Raphinha earns a place, while Vinicius Junior is expected to be a key player on the left wing for Real Madrid. Real Madrid’s emerging talent, Endrick Felipe, currently on loan at Olympique Lyon, also made the final selection.
Notable Absences
Notable omissions from the squad include Real Madrid’s Rodrygo Goes and Eder Militao, both sidelined due to injuries. Chelsea’s Joao Pedro is also out with an injury, while Estevao, a target for Barcelona, was a selection decision made by Ancelotti. Winger Antony, who last played for Brazil in 2023 and has not featured since, also failed to secure a spot in the World Cup roster.
