Ancelotti Draws the Line: The Brazil Stars Who've Played Their Last Game Under His Watch

Carlo Ancelotti has vowed to "usher in a new generation" for the Brazilian national side, effectively drawing the curtain on the international careers of Neymar, Casemiro, and Danilo.

Neymar and Danilo had already signaled their departures from Seleção duty shortly after Brazil's elimination by Norway in the World Cup round of 16 earlier this month. Casemiro, however, who had been welcomed back into the fold by Ancelotti midway through 2025 following an 18-month absence, had yet to make any public statement on the subject.

Although many anticipated that the 34-year-old, who recently joined Inter Miami, would retire from international duty, the decision appears to have been taken out of his hands.

Earlier this week, Neymar reaffirmed his stance, telling journalists in Venezuela following a Santos fixture: "I think my chapter with the national team is already over. I made history there, and I'm very proud of it. I experienced so much, gave everything I had, and always fought with everything for the yellow jersey. But I don't think I want to continue anymore."

With Brazil now setting its sights on the Copa América in 2028 and the World Cup in 2030—aiming to end what has become a seven-year trophy drought since their last continental title in 2019—Ancelotti feels the moment is right to implement a generational shift.

Casemiro featured in all five of Brazil's World Cup matches. Danilo, formerly of Real Madrid and Manchester City, started four games after entering as a substitute at halftime of the Morocco opener. Neymar managed just 37 minutes across two appearances, yet had been a pillar of the national team from 2013 to 2023, surpassing the goal tallies of Pelé, Ronaldo, and Romário.

Neymar, Casemiro, Danilo Brazil Career Snapshot

Ancelotti: 'We Are Going to Look at New Players'

"I believe this World Cup marks the end of an era for a group of very important players. Starting with Neymar, and also Danilo and Casemiro—all of these players who were over 30 at the tournament," Ancelotti told globo esporte.

"We are going to look at new players who can step up. I won't say specifically for the 2030 World Cup, but players who can already be competitive for our first target, which is the Copa América in 2028.

"I'm not saying I'll overhaul the entire [squad]. We will retain some key players who can continue contributing to our project, like Marquinhos, to give you one example. I think it's important that players like him remain to provide continuity in our work. But the idea is to embrace change and bring through a new generation."

Marquinhos, 32, appears to be an exception to this new direction. It seems Ancelotti is eager to phase out players who may not be at their peak—or still available—due to age by the time the Copa América and World Cup arrive. For context, Marquinhos will be 34 at the next South American championship and 36 at the World Cup.

Who Will Replace Neymar, Casemiro, Danilo?

This could also spell the end for Fabinho, 32, and Alex Sandro, 35. Douglas Santos is 32 and Léo Pereira is 30. Even with Marquinhos retained, the defensive unit could still be the area most significantly reshaped by these changes.

Éder Militão will eventually return once fully fit, while promising center backs such as Lucas Beraldo and Vitor Reis could seize their opportunities. Right back Wesley, who was forced to withdraw from the World Cup squad at the eleventh hour through injury, is just 22, while Monaco's Vanderson, 25, and Inter's Carlos Augusto, 27, represent further fullback alternatives.

João Gomes and Andrey Santos are the frontrunners to step into Casemiro's role, with the latter already partially shouldering that responsibility at Manchester United.

Replacing Neymar was arguably achieved some time ago, given that his last appearance for Brazil before the World Cup came nearly three years earlier due to persistent injuries. Vinícius Júnior and Raphinha have since taken up his mantle.

It remains unclear whether Ancelotti's policy extends to goalkeepers. All three he selected for the World Cup are well into their 30s. Alisson is 33, with Ederson set to reach that milestone next month. Weverton's upcoming birthday in December will be his 39th.

Alisson and Ederson could realistically continue, given that goalkeepers tend to enjoy longer careers than outfield players. However, the more pressing concern is the absence of a standout candidate to succeed them, with Al Nassr's Bento the strongest option in what is otherwise a thin pool.