Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that Neymar, Casemiro and Danilo are no longer part of his plans as the five-time world champions begin a new era built around younger players.
Ancelotti said Brazil’s recent World Cup campaign marked the end of a generation that included several experienced stars. The Italian coach now wants to develop a squad capable of competing at the 2028 Copa America.
“I think this World Cup marks the end of a generation of very important players,” Ancelotti told Brazilian broadcaster ge.
“Starting with Neymar, going through Danilo, Casemiro, all those players who were over 30 years old at the World Cup.”
Neymar, 34, retired from international football after Brazil were eliminated by Norway in the World Cup round of 16. Casemiro, also 34, and Danilo, 35, have not announced their retirements but are no longer expected to feature in Ancelotti’s plans.
The former Real Madrid manager said Brazil’s priority is now finding the next group of players who can challenge for major honours.
“We are going to map out new players who can enter,” Ancelotti said.
“Not for the next World Cup in 2030, but players who can already be competitive for the first objective, which is the Copa America in 2028.”
Brazil have struggled since winning their fifth World Cup title in 2002. They have reached the semi-finals only once since then and have not lifted the Copa America trophy since 2019.
Ancelotti, who took charge of Brazil in June 2025, stressed that the rebuild does not mean removing every senior player from the squad.
“I’m not going to say I’m going to replace all 26 players,” he said.
“We are going to keep some important players who can continue the work, like Marquinhos, to name one.”
The coach believes experienced figures can still help guide younger players during the transition.
“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 revealed he had been approached about returning as Italy manager but said his commitment remains with Brazil.
“There was simply contact from the federation,” he said.
“I have a commitment to Brazil because of the year I spent here. I was very well received, and I don’t want to break that commitment.”
Brazil will begin their next phase with friendly matches against Australia in September as Ancelotti continues shaping his new-look squad.
