Ancelotti rules out Neymar return as Brazil build for 2030 World Cup

Carlo Ancelotti says Neymar will not return to international football with Brazil, despite believing the forward deserved to be included in the squad for the 2026 World Cup.

Speaking to CNN Brasil in comments published by Tribuna, Brazil manager Ancelotti said Neymar’s unique ability made him impossible to replace, but confirmed the player had already decided against resuming his international career.

“Neymar deserved to go to the World Cup. He cannot be replaced because he is a unique player with exceptional ability,” Ancelotti said.

The Italian is now focusing on building a new generation ahead of the 2030 World Cup, with particular attention being given to players born in 2004, 2005 and 2006.

He also identified younger prospects born in 2008, although they have yet to establish themselves at senior level.

“We have young players born in 2008 who have a lot of quality. They are not playing yet, but they are capable of doing so,” Ancelotti said.

“Now is the right time to monitor them, while also taking their age into account. It is true that a player can perform at a very high level even at 36 or 37, but now is the time to give priority to younger players.”

Brazil’s senior set-up is already working with the coaches of the under-20 and under-17 teams to co-ordinate the development of players across the different age-group competitions.

Ancelotti stressed the importance of monitoring those players at the Olympics and Copa America, while acknowledging that the priorities of a club are not always the same as those of the Brazil national team.

“The Olympics are very important, as is the Copa America,” he said. “We have to follow these young players throughout their development because the club’s objectives for a player do not always match the objectives of the Brazil national team.”

The former Real Madrid manager also rejected the idea that Brazil should depend on a single outstanding player, saying collective strength must underpin the next generation.

“I believe that in modern football you need to play as a team, not rely on individual talent,” Ancelotti said. “Of course, if you have great individual talent, your chances of winning are higher, but modern football does not allow you to be without collective play.

“We are working to build a strong team for the future, rather than focusing on one exceptional individual talent.”

Ancelotti described Brazil’s elimination from the last World Cup as disappointing, but said the team must now look forward and use the available time to prepare a new generation.

“We were disappointed by the World Cup and sorry about what happened, but now we have to look ahead,” he said. “We have time to prepare a new generation of players.”

Brazil will use upcoming friendlies to assess emerging talent, facing Australia on 25 and 29 September before playing India on 3 October.

“Brazil should be among the best teams in the world,” Ancelotti said. “We have not managed to achieve that, so we must improve to be better at the next World Cup.”