Neymar misses out on Brazil squad, Igor Thiago receives first call-up

Orlando, Florida – Brazil’s March training camp will proceed without the country’s all-time leading scorer, as head coach Carlo Ancelotti omitted 34-year-old Neymar from the 26-man roster released on Monday. The Santos forward, who has not worn the national shirt since tearing his ACL in October 2023, was left out despite making four appearances and registering two goals and two assists since rejoining his boyhood club in January.

While Neymar’s absence grabs headlines, the story inside the squad announcement is the arrival of Brentford striker Igor Thiago. The 24-year-old, who has never represented Brazil at any youth level, has forced his way into contention by scoring 19 goals in 30 Premier League outings this season—second only to the league’s current golden-boot leader. Thiago’s €33 million move from Club Brugge in the summer of 2024 was followed by an injury-plagued debut campaign, but his explosive return has earned him a seat on the plane to Orlando, where Brazil will base themselves for friendlies against France on 26 March at Gillette Stadium and Croatia on 1 April at Camping World Stadium.

Thiago is one of four uncapped players named by Ancelotti. Bournemouth’s 19-year-old forward Rayan, signed for €28.5 million from Vasco da Gama in January, joins after two goals in seven Premier League appearances. Flamengo defender Leo Pereira, 30, and Galatasaray midfielder Gabriel Sara, 26, complete the quartet of debutants, each having previously featured for Brazil at youth level.

Real Madrid-owned Endrick returns to the fold for the first time since Ancelotti took over last summer, having spent the second half of this season on loan at Lyon. In contrast, West Ham departure Lucas Paqueta misses out, while veteran goalkeeper Ederson earns a recall after his switch to Fenerbahce.

Brazil will use the March window as their final gathering before the condensed pre-World Cup programme that follows in late May, when they are scheduled to meet Panama and Egypt. The Seleção have been drawn in Group C for the 2026 finals alongside Morocco, Haiti and Scotland.

Speaking after Santos’ 1-1 draw with Corinthians on Sunday, Neymar underlined his desire to return: “I wish to go back to the national team and play in the World Cup, but that’s not up to me. Whether I am there or not, I will always cheer for Brazil.”

For now, Ancelotti has placed his faith in a blend of emerging talent and established stars, leaving the door ajar for Neymar but demanding immediate results from his new wave of attackers.

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