No Neymar in Kolkata: Why Brazil legend won't play India in historic friendly
Brazil's national football team will play a friendly match against India in Kolkata on October 3, featuring stars like Vinicius Jr. However, Neymar will not participate as he retired from international football following the 2026 World Cup.
Why it matters
High-profile international friendlies are significant for sports diplomacy and the growth of football culture in India.
Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti has announced a new-look squad for the team's upcoming friendly matches against Australia and India, beginning a rebuild after the FIFA World Cup 2026.The squad has several new faces, with only a few players from Brazil's World Cup squad retained. However, Indian football fans will still get to see some of Brazil's biggest stars when the team plays India in Kolkata on October 3.Ancelotti has included Vinicius Jr, Raphinha, Marquinhos, Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Magalhaes for the upcoming friendlies against Australia and India.Brazil will play Australia on September 26 and September 29 before travelling to India for a historic friendly in Kolkata.Three players in the squad — Vinicius Jr of Real Madrid, Marquinhos of Paris Saint-Germain and Gabriel Magalhaes of Arsenal — have been shortlisted for the 2026 Ballon d'Or.Vinicius is the biggest name in the squad and has received his fifth Ballon d'Or nomination.…
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