Danilo confirmed for World Cup as leadership at Flamengo shapes club and post-retirement plans | OneFootball

Danilo is the first Brazil player confirmed for the World Cup, the Flamengo defender set for a third tournament. According to Globo.com, Carlo Ancelotti highlighted his value in explaining the call.

Leadership, a key reason for his selection despite not being an automatic starter, has been evident at Flamengo. He settled quickly in 2025, despite physical issues, and helped guide the transition from Filipe Luís to Leonardo Jardim.

He advised Jardim while initially on the bench, and in the Estadual final against Fluminense, when it went to penalties, the coach consulted him first. Before joining the national squad, he captained Flamengo against Corinthians.

He also stepped in when Filipe Luís was criticised over remarks linked to the racist abuse suffered by Vini Jr. Danilo will consider retirement at year end, his deal runs to December, and Flamengo could keep him in another capacity.

European avenues remain possible. He has received proposals pairing a short playing stint with an executive post, and Juventus have signalled a potential return without a defined role as they monitor his situation.

On the field, 2025 was his busiest year since 2022/23 at Juventus, when he played 54 times. In the run-in without Léo Ortiz he played through pain, scored the Libertadores winner against Palmeiras in Lima, and started 27 of 36.

He moved into central defence to influence play more, but says he can still operate at full-back. The Croatia match on Tuesday could showcase that, with Wesley withdrawn.

Source: Globo.com