Ancelotti says Neymar’s Brazil career is over and backs World Cup selection

Carlo Ancelotti says Neymar’s time with Brazil has come to an end, while defending the decision to include the Santos forward in the squad for the 2026 World Cup.

Speaking to CNN Brazil, Brazil manager Ancelotti said: “Neymar’s era with the Brazilian national team is over.”

He added that the decision for Neymar not to join up with the national team had been made by the player himself.

Ancelotti nevertheless insisted Neymar deserved his place in Brazil’s World Cup squad because of his ability and talent.

“Neymar deserved to be at the World Cup because of his quality and talent,” said the Brazil manager.

“We cannot replace Neymar because he was an exceptional and unique talent, so he is a player who cannot be replaced.”

Brazil were eliminated from the World Cup in the last 16 after losing 2-1 to Norway. Neymar scored Brazil’s goal from the penalty spot in that defeat.

The forward has won 130 international caps for Brazil, scoring 80 goals and providing 59 assists across all competitions. He currently plays for Brazilian club Santos.

Neymar made his Brazil debut against the United States in 2010.

After Brazil’s World Cup exit, Neymar suggested that his international career was finished.

“I think my journey with the Brazilian national team has come to an end,” he said. “I have written a page of history with it, and I am extremely happy about that.”

He added: “I gave the national team all my heart and my whole life, and I always fought for the yellow shirt, but I think I no longer want to continue.”