In a move that’s sending shockwaves through the football world, Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti has deliberately left Vinicius Jr. out of the Selecao squad for September’s World Cup qualifiers — while recalling Eder Militao and Rodrygo. Critics say it’s a favor for his old club, Real Madrid.
The Real Madrid superstar will dodge the notorious “hell” of La Paz, 4,100 meters above sea level, sparing him from what many players call the toughest away match in South America. Fans are asking: is this smart management or blatant favoritism?
If Vinicius had been called up, his yellow card suspension would have hit the home match against Chile. Instead, Ancelotti has chosen to “protect his star” from meaningless qualifiers — after all, Brazil has already secured World Cup qualification. A tactical masterstroke… or a controversial decision?
Meanwhile, Militao and Rodrygo are back in the fold. Militao, freshly recovered from a double cruciate ligament injury, is expected to anchor the defense alongside Rodrygo. Ancelotti’s hand seems clear: these players are his favorites, alongside Vinicius, Casemiro, and Raphinha — the pillars of his early Brazil reign.
Ancelotti even confessed: “I tell them they are the best,” a tactic clearly aimed at building confidence — and perhaps keeping Real Madrid happy.
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The spotlight now turns to Neymar, still on the comeback trail. His recent 90-minute appearance for Santos ended in a humiliating 0-6 defeat to Vasco da Gama in front of 50,000 fans — hardly a statement performance. Will Ancelotti gamble and include him? Or leave him warming the bench while the young stars shine?
One thing’s certain: this squad announcement has stirred a storm. Brazil fans are debating fiercely online: is Vinicius being protected for his country, or pampered for Real Madrid’s sake?
💬 Comment below: Are you team Vinicius rest or team Brazil first?