Ancelotti's First Brazil Squad: Casemiro's Return, Neymar's Absence Shakes Fans

Ancelotti Unveils Brazil Squad: Casemiro Returns, Neymar Absent Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – In a highly anticipated press conference held on May 26th, 2025, at a hotel in Barra da Tijuca, Carlo Ancelotti officially announced his first squad as the new coach of the Brazilian national team. The event, attended by over 400 guests including 250 accredited journalists, marked a significant moment in Brazilian football. Ancelotti's selection surprised many, with the notable omission of star player Neymar. "Neymar is still recovering from physical problems," Ancelotti explained in a statement, indicating that the player's current condition made it impossible to include him in the call-up. The squad, however, includes the return of Real Madrid veteran Casemiro, now playing for Manchester United. Five players from Flamengo were selected, reflecting the club's strong contribution to the national team. The team will face Ecuador on June 5th and Paraguay on June 10th in the World Cup qualifiers. The atmosphere at the press conference was a mix of excitement and anticipation for the upcoming matches and the team's prospects. Ancelotti's clear determination to make Brazil a World Cup protagonist is evident in his choices.