Ancelotti backs Neymar for World Cup, confirms end of star's Brazil spell
Brazil national team coach Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that Neymar has officially retired from international football. Ancelotti praised Neymar's unique talent while noting that the team will now focus on a renewal process centered on younger players.
Why it matters
The retirement of a global football icon marks a significant transition for the Brazilian national team as they prepare for future cycles.
Brazil national team coach Carlo Ancelotti "officially" confirmed the end of Neymar 's era in the yellow and green shirt.
In an interview with CNN Esportes S/A last Sunday (13), the Italian manager said that the decision not to return to the team came from the player himself.
The No. 10's presence at the last World Cup sparked intense debate among fans and the sports media.
The questions focused mainly on the player's fitness and match sharpness for a short tournament, as well as his absence from the 2026 World Cup cycle.
Despite the criticism surrounding the forward's current situation, Ancelotti strongly defended the call-up, justifying the decision based on the player's historic talent and brilliance.
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