Ancelotti: Neymar cannot be replaced by Brazil

Syndicated reporting provided by Stats Perform and reviewed by the SoccerNews editorial team.

Carlo Ancelotti believes Neymar is “an irreplaceable player”, confirming the forward would not be returning to the Brazil squad.

Neymar called time on his international career after this summer’s World Cup, where Brazil were knocked out in the last 16 by Norway.

The 34-year-old is Brazil’s all-time top scorer with 80 goals in 130 appearances, and he is one of only two players to score at four different World Cups for Brazil (2014, 2018, 2022 and 2026) after Pele.

His availability for the 2026 edition was in doubt as he battled a knee injury, subsequently making just two substitute appearances throughout the whole competition.

Neymar has since reiterated his decision to retire from international football, while also hinting his club career may not last much longer.

In an interview with CNN Esportes, Ancelotti said: “He deserved to be there because of his quality.

“Neymar has already confirmed that he does not want to return to the national team.

“Neymar cannot be replaced because he was an extraordinary and unique talent. So, an irreplaceable player.”

A Seleção está pronta para novos desafios: dois jogos contra a Austrália e o primeiro confronto da história contra a Índia.

25/09 | Austrália
29/09 | Austrália
03/10 | Índia

— brasil (@CBF_Futebol) September 9, 2026

Brazil face Australia twice in the upcoming international break, while they will also go up against India for the first time.

Ancelotti has named a new-look squad for the break, with the likes of Casemiro, Fabinho and Alisson all missing out, though Joao Pedro did receive a recall after being excluded for the World Cup.

“I think we need to proceed step by step,” added Ancelotti.

“Now we need to focus on the young players who could be the future, the players born in 2004, 2005, and 2006.

“We have young players born in 2008 with a lot of quality, who aren’t playing yet, but who can play.

“Now is the time to look at them, taking their age into account and respecting it. It’s true that a player can play very well, even at 36 or 37. Now is the time to prioritise the youth.”

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