Ancelotti confirms Neymar, Casemiro, Danilo exit from Brazil squad

Brazil's national football team coach Carlo Ancelotti has signaled the end of an era for several key veteran players, including Neymar, Casemiro, and Danilo. Ancelotti confirmed that these influential figures, all over 30 years old during the recent World Cup, are no longer part of the Selecao's plans as he focuses on rebuilding the squad.

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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.

"I think this World Cup marks the end of a generation of very important players," Ancelotti stated in an interview with Brazilian outlet ge (Globo Esporte), as quoted by Reuters. "Starting with Neymar, going through Danilo, Casemiro, all those players who were over 30 years old at the World Cup."

Neymar, 34, announced his international retirement following Brazil's round-of-16 World Cup exit. Casemiro, 34, and Danilo, 35, have not officially retired but are now deemed surplus to requirements by the Italian manager. Ancelotti's immediate goal is to assemble a team capable of competing for the 2028 Copa America, rather than waiting for the 2030 FIFA World Cup.

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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.

"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," he explained. Ancelotti stressed that the transition would not involve a complete overhaul, noting that experienced players like captain Marquinhos would remain to provide leadership. "I’m not going to replace all 26 players. We’re going to keep some important players who can continue the work, like Marquinhos. But the idea is to change, to bring in a new generation," he added.

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I’m not going to replace all 26 players. We’re going to keep some important players who can continue the work, like Marquinhos. But the idea is to change, to bring in a new generation.

Ancelotti also confirmed that the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) had contacted him regarding the vacant Italy coaching position. However, he reaffirmed his commitment to Brazil, stating, "There was simply contact from the federation, but it’s not a contract issue, it’s a matter of commitment." He emphasized his dedication to the Brazilian team, citing the positive reception he received during his tenure and his unwillingness to break that bond.

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There was simply contact from the federation, but it’s not a contract issue, it’s a matter of commitment.