Léo Pereira’s road from Flamengo doubts to World Cup call as he convinces Ancelotti | OneFootball

Léo Pereira seized his World Cup place at the last chance, with Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti pointing to displays in the final FIFA window.

According to Globo.com, his path was not smooth. Outstanding for Athletico in 2019, he joined Flamengo in 2020 to replace Pablo Marí.

The next two seasons brought inconsistency and criticism. Willian Arão took a centre-back spot in the title-winning Brasileirão, David Luiz was later preferred, and he also alternated with Bruno Viana and Pablo.

Dorival Jr’s arrival in 2022 reset his trajectory. With David Luiz, he shored up the defence as Flamengo won the Copa do Brasil and Libertadores, and kept his place.

Under Filipe Luís in 2025 he hit a new level, and Danilo’s arrival changed nothing. He led, helped build play and matched his best return with six goals, making the league team of the year.

Yet Brazil omissions still irked him, despite backing from fans, team-mates and his coach. Filipe Luís argued he was Brazil’s best centre-back at the time and the only one in that cycle untested.

In 2026 he stayed consistent, playing 22 games and starting 21. He scored from a free-kick in the 3-0 win over Botafogo at Nilton Santos in the Brasileirão.

His call came for March friendlies against France and Croatia. He struggled on debut in defeat, then impressed in the next win. Ancelotti later said the decision on him was already made and praised his attitude.

Source: Globo.com