Ancelotti explains why he did not call Neymar for Brazil national team duty | OneFootball

Carlo Ancelotti has provided an explanation as to why he decided against handing a call-up to the legendary Neymar for Brazil’s set of international fixtures coming up in September.

Brazil will take on Chile and Bolivia on September 5 and September 10 respectively as the Seleção continue their World Cup qualification campaign.

Ancelotti confirmed his squad at the end of August, but made several notable omissions, including that of Neymar, as well as all of his former Real Madrid colleagues including Vinicius Jr. and Rodrygo.

Why Ancelotti didn’t call Neymar for Brazil duty

epa12137464 Italian Carlo Ancelotti (L) and the president of the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF), Samir Xaud, attend a press conference where Ancelotti was presented as new head coach of men’s Brazilian national soccer team, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 26 May 2025. EPA-EFE/ANDRE COELHO

The Italian head coach has since had an opportunity to explain the reasoning behind his selections, and has confirmed that the decision to not include Neymar was purely a ‘technical choice’.

Ancelotti also cited the vast selection of players he has available to him, claiming that as many as 70 players are in contention for call-ups to the Brazil squad.

“It’s a technical choice, not one dictated by physical problems,” Ancelotti explained when asked about Neymar’s absence from the Brazil squad.

SAO PAULO, BRAZIL – AUGUST 17: Neymar of Santos gestures during a Brasileirao 2025 match between Santos and Vasco da Gama at MorumBIS Stadium on August 17, 2025 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. (Photo by Alexandre Schneider/Getty Images)

“It was a technical decision based on several factors. Nobody can deny Neymar’s talent, but we evaluate the physical condition importantly, his and the others’.

“There is huge competition,” Ancelotti continued. “We have at least 70 players who are pushing for the Seleção.

“I already have a consolidated group in mind for the World Cup. The biggest mistake would be to get the list of 26 wrong. The quality is there, but the strength of the collective group is what counts.

“It has been 24 years since Brazil last won the World Cup. The time has come. The responsibility is enormous, but the motivation of an entire country can also make a big difference.”