Brazil’s head coach Carlo Ancelotti has defended his decision to back young players ahead of experienced ones in the national squad. Former Brazil captain Thiago Silva earlier questioned the Italian’s decision to make changes to the team’s squad, stating the players should not be excluded just because of their age.
Ancelotti picked nine players that featured for Brazil at the 2026 World Cup, whereas he selected eight uncapped players while naming a 26-man squad for the International friendlies against Australia and India.
“One thing is certain: a player who is 34 or 35 years old isn’t the future,” Ancelotti said when asked about Silva’s comments. “They are the present. If a player of that age is ready to play in a major tournament, they will be in the national squad, but right now the main thing to prioritise is young players.
“This is a balanced squad, featuring players who have represented Brazil at the World Cup. It will be important for the next generation.
“We have young players who have the quality to represent the national team in the years to come, as well as players who are performing very well in the Brazilian Championship.”
The former Real Madrid coach wants to rebuild the squad for the 2030 World Cup.
“We must prioritise young players who will be of age for the next World Cup or the next Copa América,” Ancelotti said.
“Now we have time to take things more calmly and at our own pace, and to assess everyone properly. The idea is very clear: to bring in a new generation of footballers. We can take our time, making the right decisions for the future.”
Brazil squad:
Goalkeepers: Hugo Souza (Corinthians), Pedro Morisco (Coritiba), Otávio (Cruzeiro).
Defenders: Arthur Dias (Athletico Paranaense), Wesley (Roma), Marquinhos (Paris Saint-Germain), Gabriel Magalhães (Arsenal), Douglas Santos (Zenit St. Petersburg), Jair (Nottingham Forest), Matheuzinho (Corinthians), Maurio Júnior (PSV Eindhoven), Vitor Reis (Manchester City).
Midfielders: Bruno Guimaraes (Arsenal), Andrey Santos (Manchester United), Danilo Santos (Botafogo), Douglas Luiz (Juventus), Breno Bidon (Corinthians), Gabriel Bontempo (Santos).
Forwards: Endrick, Vinicius Júnior (Real Madrid), Raphinha (Barcelona), Rayan (Bournemouth), João Pedro, Estevao (Chelsea), Samuel Lino and Pedro (Flamengo).
