Neymar gets shock recall over Joao Pedro for Brazil World Cup squad

 Carlo Ancelotti has named Neymar in Brazil’s 26-man squad for this summer’s World Cup but has left out Chelsea striker João Pedro.

The Italian announced his squad on Monday night and surprisingly included the nation’s all-time leading goalscorer despite the 34-year-old not appearing for his country since 2023. The news stunned fans who had been waiting for the announcement by the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro.

Neymar has struggled for fitness since tearing his ACL in October 2023 but has found form for boyhood club Santos of late, scoring six goals and providing five assists this season, and Ancelotti says he expects the attacker to be a key player for Brazil.

“Neymar will be an important player for us at the World Cup,” the former Real Madrid coach explained. “We spent the entire year analysing Neymar. We realised that in this last period he had continuity and was in good physical condition.”

It will be Neymar’s fourth World Cup, having been selected in the three previous editions. He has scored 79 goals in 128 caps for Brazil.

However, there was no room for striker João Pedro, who has been in fine form despite Chelsea’s disappointing season. The 24-year-old has scored 15 Premier League goals and featured for Brazil in their last friendlies against France and Croatia in March.

“I am sad for players who have been left out, like João Pedro,” Ancelotti added. “They will have chances in the future.”

Chelsea duo Andrey Santos and Estêvão (injured) have also been left out. Brentford striker Igor Thiago has been rewarded for his fine season, scoring 22 league goals, with a call-up alongside Manchester United pair Casemiro and Matheus Cunha. Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson has also been picked alongside Arsenal duo Gabriel Magalhães and Gabriel Martinelli.

Newcastle midfielder Bruno Guimarães and Bournemouth teenager Rayan complete the Premier League contingent

Ancelotti, 66, extended his contract with the South American nation to the 2030 World Cup last week with Brazil heading to America as one of the tournament favourites. They start their campaign on June 13 against Morocco before playing Haiti and Scotland in their final group fixtures.

Brazil’s World Cup squad

Goalkeepers: Alisson (Liverpool), Éderson (Fenerbahce), Weverton (Gremio)

Defenders: Alex Sandro, Danilo, Leo Pereira (Flamengo), Bremer (Juventus), Ibanez (Al-Ahli), Wesley (Roma), Marquinhos (Paris St-Germain), Gabriel Magalhães (Arsenal), Douglas Santos (Zenit St. Petersburg) 

Midfielders: Bruno Guimarães (Newcastle), Casemiro (Manchester United), Danilo Santos (Botafogo), Fabinho (Al-Ittihad), Lucas Paquetá (Flamengo)

Forwards: Endrick (Lyon), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal), Igor Thiago (Brentford), Matheus Cunha (Manchester United), Raphinha (Barcelona), Vinicius Júnior (Real Madrid), Luiz Henrique (Zenit St. Petersburg), Neymar (Santos), Rayan (Bournemouth).