Carlo Ancelotti Defends Neymar's World Cup Spot as Brazil Legend Retires

Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti has spoken out after Neymar announced his retirement from international football, backing his decision to include the veteran forward in the 2026 World Cup squad. Despite concerns about Neymar’s fitness, the Italian manager said having him on the team was important for Brazil.

Neymar Ends 16-Year International Career

The 34-year-old officially stepped away from representing Brazil following their surprising round of 16 loss to Norway in the World Cup. Ancelotti insisted that, regardless of the outcome, Neymar deserved his spot on the roster.

Fitness Challenges and Positive Attitude

Ancelotti admitted Neymar’s physical readiness was frustrating. The forward missed early group matches due to a grade 2 calf strain and couldn’t contribute as much on the field as hoped. "He didn’t deliver technically like we expected because he wasn’t fully fit," Ancelotti told ESPN. "But his attitude was very positive throughout. I have great respect for him and appreciated his behavior. Including him in the 26-man squad was the right call."

Still, the coach expressed disappointment that Neymar wasn’t ready from the start. "What bothered me is that Neymar could have prepared better before the tournament," he added. "He should have been ready for game one, not game four. That was the only frustrating part."

A New Chapter for Brazilian Football

With Neymar retiring, Ancelotti sees this as a turning point. He plans to rebuild the team ahead of the 2030 World Cup, shifting focus from past icons to emerging talent. "One generation ends and another begins," the former Real Madrid coach said. "The next group has to be even better than the last."

Other Veterans Likely to Follow

Ancelotti also hinted at further changes among Brazil’s senior players. When asked about stars like Casemiro, Danilo, and Alex Sandro, he acknowledged the squad is aging and some departures are expected.

• Casemiro: Possibly nearing the end of his international career.
• Danilo: Part of the veteran group likely to retire soon.
• Alex Sandro: Also expected to leave the national setup.

"We owe a lot to these players and I have affection for all of them," Ancelotti said. "But the idea that players over 30 might be done means we must look ahead. Some, like Marquinhos and Alisson, might stay longer, but time will tell."