Carlo Ancelotti drops Newcastle United star from his first Brazil squad and explains why

Carlo Ancelotti has made his first significant move as Brazil’s national team manager, and it hasn’t gone unnoticed by Newcastle United fans.

In his inaugural squad announcement for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Ecuador and Paraguay, only one player from Newcastle made the cut—club captain Bruno Guimarães.

While Guimarães’ inclusion comes as no surprise given his consistent performances and growing influence in midfield, the absence of his club teammate Joelinton has drawn attention, especially considering the 28-year-old had featured in the national setup as recently as March.

Ancelotti, one of the most respected figures in global football, is now preparing for a new chapter in his illustrious career—leading Brazil on the international stage.

The 65-year-old Italian tactician steps into a role once held by Dorival, tasked with guiding the Seleção through a crucial period leading up to the 2026 World Cup. As he gets ready for the qualifiers, assembling a squad that balances form, fitness, and potential has been a top priority.

Joelinton’s omission, while unfortunate, is understandable. The midfielder has been sidelined due to a knee injury that has kept him out of action in recent weeks.

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe recently confirmed that Joelinton’s recovery is progressing well, and he is expected to return in time for pre-season. Despite missing this opportunity to feature under Ancelotti, the door to the national team remains open for him.

In fact, the Brazil boss made a point of acknowledging Joelinton’s absence, grouping him with high-profile names such as Neymar, Rodrygo, Gabriel, and Éder Militão—all of whom are currently out due to injury or fitness concerns.

Ancelotti’s decision to specifically mention Joelinton sends a clear message. While the midfielder is not available for selection right now, he remains in the coach’s plans and is viewed as a player with value and potential contributions to the national team.

This kind of public recognition from a coach of Ancelotti’s stature should serve as a significant boost to Joelinton’s morale. For a player who has transformed himself at Newcastle—shifting from a struggling forward to a dynamic box-to-box midfielder—it’s a testament to his hard work and growing reputation on the international stage.

Fitness and form were the primary criteria in Ancelotti’s squad selection. Speaking to Globo Esporte, the Brazilian coach explained his approach, emphasizing the importance of current physical condition over past reputations.

He clarified that players like Neymar and Joelinton were excluded not due to tactical preferences but because they are not in peak condition. In his words, “I tried to select players who are in good shape. Neymar had an injury recently.

Everyone knows that he is a very important player and always will be. Currently, we have many players who suffer injuries and cannot be in the national team, like Neymar, the same is true of Rodrygo, Gabriel, Joelinton, Militão. What I want to say is that Brazil has many talented players.”

This emphasis on meritocracy may shape a new era for Brazil, with Ancelotti clearly focused on building a team that is not only star-studded but also physically prepared and match-ready.

The message is clear—only those who are fit and performing at a high level will be given the opportunity to represent the country, regardless of reputation or past accolades.

For Joelinton, the focus now must be on returning to full fitness and regaining the level of performance that earned him international recognition earlier in the year. With the World Cup in 2026 looming on the horizon, the midfielder still has plenty of time to make his case.

His versatility, work rate, and improved technical ability have made him an integral part of Newcastle’s midfield under Eddie Howe, and those same attributes could serve Brazil well in the years to come.

As for Newcastle United, Bruno Guimarães’ selection reaffirms his status as one of Brazil’s top midfielders. His leadership on and off the pitch continues to grow, and representing Brazil in crucial World Cup qualifiers only adds to his profile.

In the meantime, other Newcastle players will also be on international duty, with two more expected to join the England squad following the conclusion of the Premier League season.

The recognition of Newcastle talent on the global stage reflects the club’s rising stature under Howe’s leadership. As the Magpies aim to build on recent successes and solidify their position among the Premier League elite, their players’ involvement in international squads highlights the progress made. For Joelinton, the road back to the Brazil squad is clear: stay fit, stay focused, and continue delivering standout performances for his club. Ancelotti is watching, and the opportunity remains within reach.