Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti said Neymar, Casemiro and Danilo are no longer part of the national team’s long-term plans as he begins rebuilding with a younger squad aimed at challenging for the 2028 Copa America.
Forward Neymar, 34, retired from international football after Brazil’s round-of-16 exit to Norway at this year’s World Cup, while midfielder Casemiro, 34, and defender Danilo, 35, have yet to announce their retirements.
“I think this World Cup marks the end of a generation of very important players,” Ancelotti told Brazilian broadcaster ge in an interview published on Wednesday.
“Starting with Neymar, going through Danilo, Casemiro, all those players who were over 30 years old at the World Cup.
“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.”
Brazil, who will play Australia in two friendlies in September, have reached the World Cup semi-finals only once since winning a record fifth title in 2002 and have not lifted the Copa America since 2019.
Ancelotti said the transition would be gradual, with experienced players retained to provide continuity.
“I’m not going to say I’m going to replace all 26 players. We’re going to keep some important players who can continue the work, like Marquinhos, to name one,” said the Italian, who took charge of Brazil in June 2025.
“I think it’s important that you stay to give a sign of continuity to the work. But the idea is to change, to bring in a new generation.”
Ancelotti also confirmed he had been approached by the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) about the Italy coaching job but said his commitment to Brazil was never in doubt.
“There was simply contact from the federation, but it’s not a contract issue, it’s a matter of commitment,” he said.
“I have a commitment to Brazil not because I signed the contract. I have a commitment based on the year I spent here, I was very well received, and I don’t want to break that commitment.”
