Carlo Ancelotti (foto: Getty Images)
Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti has named his second squad with no Real Madrid players and no Neymar, who faces doubts over his long-term future.
Carlo Ancelotti has unveiled his second squad as Brazil coach, and once again there were surprises, with no players from Real Madrid included and Neymar left out despite recent signs of improved form.
Brazil have already booked their place at the 2026 World Cup through South American qualifying, giving Ancelotti more freedom in his selections. But the absence of familiar names raised eyebrows.
From his former club Real Madrid, Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo were given rest, Éder Militão is still regaining fitness after a long-term injury, and teenager Endrick is sidelined. Neymar, meanwhile, has been gradually finding rhythm after a difficult spell but was also omitted.
“Neymar has a minor injury and there is no need to put pressure on him,” Ancelotti said. “We all know who Neymar is. But like any player, he must be in top physical condition to be part of the squad.”
Neymar’s uncertain Brazil future: can he reclaim a regular spot under Ancelotti?
For the first time in more than a decade, Neymar’s status in the national team looks fragile. Injuries, a controversial move to Saudi Arabia and the emergence of younger forwards have pushed him out of the automatic selection bracket. While Ancelotti has stressed that Neymar remains in his plans, the coach has also made clear that he will demand peak fitness and consistency before handing him a regular place again.
The question is whether Neymar, now 33, can adapt to a new role. No longer the guaranteed starter who carried Brazil’s hopes, he may need to settle into being a squad option, used for his creativity and experience rather than as the central figure of the Seleção.
Brazil’s new generation takes centre stage
Ancelotti’s list reflects a generational shift in Brazilian football. Players like Estevão (Chelsea), João Pedro (Chelsea), Matheus Cunha (Manchester United), and Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal) are pushing into central attacking roles once reserved for Neymar and other senior stars. Their emergence is part of a wider trend of Brazilian youngsters making their mark in Europe’s top leagues earlier than ever.
The inclusion of Estevão, only 17, signals Ancelotti’s long-term vision. The teenager has been dubbed one of the most exciting talents to leave Brazil in recent years, and Chelsea see him as a future cornerstone. Giving him early exposure in the senior setup shows Ancelotti’s willingness to fast-track generational change.
Meanwhile, João Pedro and Cunha represent a new wave of versatile forwards who can press, combine, and adapt to different systems. Both are thriving in the Premier League, where their tactical maturity has grown rapidly.
For Brazil, this fresh attacking depth means they are no longer reliant on one or two stars. Instead, Ancelotti is building a squad with multiple creative outlets, something that could serve the Seleção well heading into 2026.
Brazil squad for matches against Chile and Bolivia
Goalkeepers: Alisson (Liverpool), Bento (Al Nassr), Hugo Souza (Corinthians)
Defenders: Alexandro Ribeiro (Lille), Alex Sandro (Flamengo), Caio Henrique (Monaco), Douglas Santos (Zenit), Fabrício Bruno (Cruzeiro), Gabriel Magalhães (Arsenal), Marquinhos (PSG), Vanderson (Monaco), Wesley (Roma)
Midfielders: Andrey Santos (Chelsea), Bruno Guimarães (Newcastle), Casemiro (Manchester United), Joelinton (Newcastle), Lucas Paquetá (West Ham)
Forwards: Estevão (Chelsea), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal), João Pedro (Chelsea), Kaio Jorge (Cruzeiro), Luiz Henrique (Zenit), Matheus Cunha (Manchester United), Raphinha (Barcelona), Richarlison (Tottenham)