Carlo Ancelotti confirms trio Neymar, Casemiro & Danilo will NOT play for Brazil again
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Ancelotti is set to make many changes to the national team.
Coach Carlo Ancelotti has informed Brazilian broadcaster GE that Neymar, Casemiro, and Danilo will be dropped from Brazil’s Copa America 2028 team in favour of a younger roster.
After Brazil lost to Norway in the FIFA World Cup 2026 round of 16, forward Neymar, 34, retired from international football. However, Casemiro (34), a midfielder, and Danilo (35), a defender, have not confirmed their international retirement.
Carlo Ancelotti confirms three major changes in Brazil squad
Brazil have only made it to the World Cup semi-finals once since their record fifth win in 2002. They haven’t won the Copa América since 2019. They will face Australia in two friendlies in September.
Carlo Ancelotti said in an interview published on Wednesday:
“I think this World Cup marks the end of a generation of very important players. Starting with Neymar, going through Danilo, Casemiro, all those players who were over 30 years old at the World Cup.“
“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.”
“I’m not going to say I’m going to replace all 26 players. We’re going to keep some important players who can continue the work, like Marquinhos, to name one.”
“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.”
Carlo Ancelotti wants to revamp the squad and give it a fresh look. The former Real Madrid manager wants to build a competitive team that will finally break their World Cup drought.
Why won’t Carlo Ancelotti call up Casemiro, Neymar and Danilo anymore?
He feels they are now beyond their prime. He will look to change the squad and give other players chances.
When is Brazil next playing?
They will play Australia in a friendly game in September.
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After earning a bachelor's degree in mass media, Rajarshi began his career as a sports writer in 2019, driven by his passion for sports journalism. He has been working in the field for over six years. A devoted fan of Lionel Messi and Barcelona, Rajarshi has been involved in sports since childhood. Before turning his focus to journalism, he even represented his college at the state level. Along with covering football, he enjoys playing the game, watching movies, and experimenting with new recipes in his spare time, as cooking is one of his favorite hobbies.