Carlo Ancelotti has named his first squad as manager of Brazil, including two stars from Serie A – but which players missed out?
Which Serie A Players Are in Ancelotti’s Brazil Squad?
New Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti has officially announced his first squad as head coach of the Selecao — and it includes a couple of familiar faces for fans of Serie A.
The 65-year-old former Real Madrid boss has named Carlos Augusto of Inter Milan and Ederson of Atalanta among his selections for the upcoming June World Cup qualifiers.
The duo will join an experienced group that includes the likes of Casemiro, Vinicius Junior, and Richarlison.
Is Neymar In The Brazil Squad?
One of the biggest headlines from Ancelotti’s squad reveal is the omission of Neymar, who recently returned from injury but is not yet fully fit. The Santos forward has not played for Brazil since October 2023, when he suffered an ACL and meniscus tear.
Speaking at his first press conference in Rio de Janeiro, Ancelotti addressed the decision directly. “I tried to select players who are in good shape,” Ancelotti explained. “Neymar had an injury recently. Everyone knows he is a very important player — he always has been and always will be.”
With Neymar absent, the “main man” burden will continue to fall to Vinicius Junior, who, of course, Ancelotti just coached at Real Madrid.
“If Vini hasn’t shown his best side yet, it will come. He’s an extraordinary player, a hard worker, a fighter. I am totally convinced he will show his true colors.”
Is Antony In The Brazil Squad?
Perhaps a surprise inclusion is Manchester United struggler Antony, who is currently enjoying a bright spell on loan at Real Betis. The winger has had a recent surge of form, notching nine goals and five assists in La Liga since January.
“Brazil needs players who bring attitude, commitment, sacrifice,” Ancelotti said when asked about his squad’s balance. “Casemiro has that, and so does Antony. We’re building a team with not just talent, but personality.”
The squad also features a strong Flamengo contingent, with Danilo, Alex Sandro, and Gerson among the call-ups — perhaps an indicator that Ancelotti is keen to blend European stars with in-form domestic league players.
Brazil World Cup Qualifiers
Ancelotti’s main goal in the short term is to secure qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which, having lost five of their 14 qualifiers so far, is not guaranteed.
Currently sitting fourth in the CONMEBOL table, Brazil will face Ecuador on June 5 and Paraguay on June 10 in two must-win matches
If you’re looking to back Brazil or follow their opponents in the coming qualifiers, explore our guide to the safest online betting sites to stay ahead of the odds and form analysis.
Full Brazil Squad – June 2025
Goalkeepers
Alisson (Liverpool), Bento (Al-Nassr), Hugo Souza (Corinthians)
Defenders
Alex Sandro (Flamengo), Alexsandro Ribeiro (Lille), Beraldo (PSG), Carlos Augusto (Inter), Danilo (Flamengo), Leo Ortiz (Flamengo), Marquinhos (PSG), Vanderson (Monaco), Wesley (Flamengo)
Midfielders
Andreas Pereira (Fulham), Andrey Santos (Strasbourg), Bruno Guimaraes (Newcastle), Casemiro (Manchester United), Ederson (Atalanta), Gerson (Flamengo)
Forwards
Antony (Betis), Estevao (Palmeiras), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal), Matheus Cunha (Wolves), Raphinha (Barcelona), Richarlison (Tottenham), Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid)
