Carlo Ancelotti confirms end of Brazil careers for Neymar, Casemiro
Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed Neymar, Casemiro and Danilo will not play for Brazil again after the nation’s World Cup exit this summer.
The 2-1 round-of-16 defeat by Norway was the national team’s earliest elimination since 1990, when they lost at the same knockout stage to Argentina.
More than three weeks on from the campaign, the Italian head coach said the finals will mark a changing of the guard for the national team.
“I think that this World Cup brings a generation of very important players to an end,” Ancelotti told Brazil outlet Globo. “Starting with Neymar, also Danilo and Casemiro, all of these players who were over 30 at the World Cup.
“We are going to look at new players who can come in. I won’t say specifically for the World Cup in 2030, but who can already be competitive for our first objective, which is the Copa America in 2028.”
Casemiro, 34, and Danilo, 35, featured in every one of Brazil’s World Cup matches, bringing their number of international caps to 91 and 75 respectively. Neymar made his first national team appearance since October 2023 in the final group stage game, after recovering from a calf injury.
Ancelotti selected the former Barcelona winger for the tournament despite controversy over his fitness and form, having only made 15 appearances for Santos before the World Cup this year. Speaking after their exit, Neymar said it was “over” for him and Brazil after 130 games, which he reiterated on Tuesday.
“I think my time with the national team has already passed. I made history there, and I’m very happy about it,” he said after his substitute appearance in Santos’ 4-2 win over Venezuela’s Universidad Central, per ESPN.
“I experienced a lot there, gave my blood and my life, and always fought and battled for the yellow jersey. But I don’t think I want anymore.”
Looking towards the future, Ancelotti added he would keep some senior players but that the squad would see major changes.
“”I’m not going to say that I’m going to change the entire 26,” he added. “We are going to keep some important players, who can continue with our work, like Marquinhos, to give you one name.
“I think it is important that players like him stay on to give a sign of continuity in out work. But the idea is for change and to bring about a new generation.”