Ancelotti Calls for Calm as Vinícius Jr. Returns to Brazil Squad After Madrid Meltdown
Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti has brushed aside the drama surrounding Vinícius Júnior, insisting the Real Madrid forward remains “a vital player” for the Seleção despite his recent outburst in Spain’s El Clásico victory.
Vinícius caused headlines last week after reacting angrily to being substituted during Madrid’s 2–1 win over Barcelona. The 25-year-old later apologized to his teammates and manager Xabi Alonso, and Ancelotti confirmed on Monday that the matter is “completely resolved.”
“I told Vinícius he made a mistake he agreed, he apologized, and that’s the end of it,” Ancelotti said during the squad announcement in Rio de Janeiro. “He’s young, passionate, and learning. I have no issues with him he remains an important part of our plans.”
The Italy-born coach named Vinícius among a 26-man Brazil squad for their upcoming friendlies against Senegal (Nov. 15 at Emirates Stadium, London) and Tunisia (Nov. 18 in Lille).
Ancelotti opted to leave out Neymar, who recently returned to action for Santos after nearly seven weeks out with a muscular injury. The coach said the forward “needs more time to reach full fitness.”
Instead, the roster includes several domestic standouts such as Vitor Roque (Palmeiras) and Danilo (Flamengo), who are expected to clash later this month in the Copa Libertadores final.
“We’ve chosen players who can contribute now and in the future,” Ancelotti explained. “Brazil is rich in talent, and this is a good chance to test different profiles.”
Full Brazil Squad
Goalkeepers: Éderson (Fenerbahçe), Bento (Al Nassr), Hugo Souza (Corinthians)
Defenders: Alex Sandro (Flamengo), Caio Henrique (Monaco), Éder Militão (Real Madrid), Gabriel Magalhães (Arsenal), Marquinhos (PSG), Wesley (Roma), Danilo (Flamengo), Fabrício Bruno (Cruzeiro), Luciano Juba (Bahia)
Midfielders: Casemiro (Man United), Fabinho (Al-Ittihad), Bruno Guimarães (Newcastle), Lucas Paquetá (West Ham), Andrey Santos (Chelsea)
Forwards: Rodrygo (Real Madrid), Vinícius Júnior (Real Madrid), Matheus Cunha (Man United), Richarlison (Tottenham), João Pedro (Chelsea), Estêvão (Chelsea), Luiz Henrique (Zenit), Vitor Roque (Palmeiras)
Brazil will also play two friendlies in the United States next March, facing European opponents yet to be announced.
The five-time world champions are looking to bounce back from last month’s 3–2 defeat to Japan, a result that Ancelotti described as “a lesson worth learning.”
“We’re building chemistry and assessing depth,” he added. “By 2026, I want a Brazil that’s ready to compete with any team in the world.”
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