Carlo Ancelotti names first squad as Brazil's coach; Rodrygo & Neymar excluded

The Italian is set to oversee his first game as Selecao against Ecuador.

Carlo Ancelotti’s first day as Brazil coach included saying “No” to Neymar and a promise to find more improvement for forward Vinícius Júnior.

The Italian, who has a contract with the Selecao till the end of the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico, announced his first squad for World Cup qualifiers next week against Ecuador and Paraguay on Monday.

He brought back midfielder Casemiro, the Brazil captain at the 2022 World Cup, who has been absent from the national team for about a year.

Striker Neymar, who is still struggling to return from injury, was not picked. He returned to Santos only last week from a muscular injury, and that was too late for the new coach.

“Unfortunately, we have a lot of players who suffered injuries and cannot be in the national team, like Neymar,” Ancelotti said.

“Brazil has many talented players, and in Neymar’s specific case, we are counting on him. He came back to Brazil to play and prepare for the World Cup. I spoke to him this morning to explain that to him, and he is totally in agreement.”

Ancelotti, the first foreigner to take charge of the five-time World Cup champion full-time in a century, landed in Rio de Janeiro on Sunday night after departing Real Madrid.

He claimed that under his tutelage, Vinícius will develop into a Brazilian striker. Brazil supporters have criticised Vinícius for failing to replicate his stellar Real Madrid play for the national squad.

The recall of midfielder Casemiro, who had been sidelined for nearly a year and a half, was another topic of discussion regarding his 25-man roster.

Brazil’s squad for 2025 June international break

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 (Flamengo)

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

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