Joao Pedro shares his thoughts after not making Brazil’s World Cup team, while Carlo Ancelotti explains the choice.
Joao Pedro shared an emotional message after learning he wasn’t included in Brazil’s 26-man World Cup squad. On Monday evening, coach Carlo Ancelotti announced his choices for the tournament. Big names like Neymar, Gabriel Martinelli, Igor Thiago, and Bournemouth’s Rayan made the team.
Some well-known players were left out, including Estevao Willian, Savinho, Thiago Silva, and Richarlison. But the biggest surprise was Joao Pedro’s omission. Pedro has had a great season at Chelsea since his £60 million move from Brighton, scoring 15 goals and making five assists in 34 Premier League games. He’s also played for Brazil’s national team.
Still, Ancelotti picked other forwards like Vinicius Jr, Raphinha, Matheus Cunha, Luiz Henrique, Gabriel Martinelli, Neymar, Endrick, Rayan, and Igor Thiago. After the announcement, Pedro reacted with grace on Instagram. He said, “I always tried my best. It’s sad I won’t get to live my dream of playing in a World Cup, but I stay calm and focused like I always do.”
He added, “Football brings both joy and disappointment. I wish good luck to everyone on the team and will cheer for them to bring home Brazil’s sixth title.”
At a press conference, Ancelotti spoke about leaving Pedro out. “We were sad because Joao Pedro had a great season and probably deserved to be included,” he said. “But after careful thought and respect, we chose different players. We’re sorry for him and everyone else who didn’t make it.”
As expected, Arsenal’s Gabriel Magalhães and other Premier League stars like Casemiro, Bruno Guimaraes, and Lucas Paqueta made the squad. Young Real Madrid forward Endrick was also selected after a strong loan at Lyon. Neymar’s spot caused a lot of talk.
“We watched Neymar all year,” Ancelotti explained. “He showed consistency and good fitness recently.”
The full squad includes:
Goalkeepers: Alisson Becker, Ederson, Weverton
Defenders: Marquinhos, Gabriel, Gleison Bremer, Leo Pereira, Roger Ibanez, Wesley Franca, Danilo, Alex Sandro, Douglas Santos
Midfielders: Casemiro, Bruno Guimaraes, Fabinho, Danilo, Lucas Paqueta
Forwards: Vinicius Jr, Raphinha, Matheus Cunha, Luiz Henrique, Gabriel Martinelli, Neymar, Endrick, Rayan, Igor Thiago