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Why did Carlo Ancelotti exclude Neymar, Real Madrid's Rodrygo from his first Brazil squad?

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Rodrygo with Carlo Ancelotti | X

It is no secret that Carlo Ancelotti adores Rodrygo Goes. The young Brazilian has thrived under the Italian manager at Real Madrid, which has no shortage of talent in the attack. Rodrygo was often deployed on the wings or in the striker position during Ancelotti's time in the Spanish capital.

Therefore, most expected the 24-year-old to be among the obvious picks for the Brazil national team's upcoming World Cup qualifiers, following Ancelotti's appointment as its new head coach. However, in a surprise move, 'Don Carlo' left out the trusted attacker from his first-ever squad as the Seleção gaffer.

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Also missing from the squad for Brazil's upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Ecuador and Paraguay was Neymar. The former Barcelona and PSG superstar recently returned to action after suffering a knee injury during his last outing with the national team.

Ancelotti ya no convoca a Rodrygo ni con Brasil. Algo ha tenido que pasar que no sepamos entre ellos dos seguro. pic.twitter.com/ZhONa6Qdpf

— Cᴀꜱᴛɪʟʟᴏ (@Castillo__Rm) May 26, 2025

According to Ancelotti, it was necessary that the former Al-Hilal player shouldn't suffer another injury. The senior player needed to be fit for more important fixtures lying ahead, forcing the coach to let him rest for the time being.

The former Bayern Munich manager said that his reasons for leaving Neymar out of the squad for the upcoming matches were communicated to the 33-year-old, who was fully on board.

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Rodrygo's omission is said to be on similar grounds. Ancelotti is of the opinion that Brazil had no shortage of gifted attackers, due to which there was no need to risk anybody who had a stressful, risky (in terms of injuries) or rusty season.

🗣️ Carlo Ancelotti: “Rodrygo has been great since his first year. Even when he doesn’t score he always works well for the team.” pic.twitter.com/MvzHvY5Vjy

— Madrid Zone (@theMadridZone) January 29, 2025

Rodrygo has been busy with Real Madrid and has been disturbed by his diminishing role in the lineup, following the arrival of Kylian Mbappe. While Rodrygo is gradually getting back to his best, there are other players at Carlo's disposal who have had a better season.

Brazil are currently fourth in the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying standings, due to a string of inconsistent games.