Key Takeaways:
- Carlo Ancelotti did not select Neymar for the forthcoming World Cup qualifiers against Chile and Bolivia
- Neymar has not featured for Brazil since sustaining an ACL injury on 17 October 2023 against Uruguay
- No Real Madrid players are included in Ancelotti’s current Brazil squad
Ancelotti’s Selection Decisions for Brazil
Brazil’s new head coach, Carlo Ancelotti, has released his squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifying matches against Chile and Bolivia. Notably, forward Neymar has not been called up, as the Santos player is currently contending with a health issue. Neymar has been absent from the national team since 17 October 2023 when he suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury during a fixture against Uruguay.
NÃO CONVERSOU! ❌🇧🇷 Rodrygo e Neymar ficaram de fora da convocação de Carlo Ancelotti, e o técnico disse que não justificou para os jogadores sobre a ausência na lista… #SeleçãoBrasileira #FutebolBrasileiro pic.twitter.com/WWpAqSA095
— TNT Sports BR (@TNTSportsBR) August 25, 2025
Additionally, Ancelotti has chosen not to include any players from his previous club, Real Madrid, in this squad.
Full Brazil Squad for Chile and Bolivia Fixtures
| Goalkeepers | Defenders | Midfielders | Forwards |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Alisson (Liverpool) Bento Krepski (Al-Nassr) Hugo Souza (Corinthians) |
Alessandro (Lille) Alex Sandro (Flamengo) Caio Henrique (Monaco) Douglas Santos (Zenit) Fabrício Bruno (Cruzeiro) Gabriel Magalhães (Arsenal) Marquinhos (PSG) Vanderson (Monaco) Wesley (Roma) |
Andrey Santos (Chelsea) Bruno Guimarães (Newcastle) Casemiro (Manchester United) Joelinton (Newcastle) Lucas Paquetá (West Ham) |
Estevão (Chelsea) Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal) João Pedro (Chelsea) Kaio Jorge (Cruzeiro) Luiz Henrique (Zenit) Matheus Cunha (Manchester United) Raphinha (Barcelona) Richarlison (Tottenham) |
Analysis and Outlook
Ancelotti’s squad features a blend of domestic and Europe-based talent as Brazil prepares for critical encounters against Chile and Bolivia. Neymar’s absence is attributed to ongoing injury recovery, leaving attacking options in the hands of players such as Richarlison, Raphinha, and Gabriel Martinelli. All eyes will be on Ancelotti as he embarks on his first campaign in charge, opting for a fresh approach with this new selection.
