Igor Thiago, Rayan earn first Brazil call-ups as Ancelotti defends Neymar exclusion
Premier League stars Igor Thiago and Rayan have received their maiden invitations to the Brazil national football team squad ahead of upcoming international friendlies later this month.
The duo were included in the latest selection announced by head coach Carlo Ancelotti, as Brazil prepare to face France and Croatia.
Thiago rewarded for prolific form
Thiago’s inclusion follows an outstanding campaign with Brentford, where he has scored 19 league goals, making him one of the top performers in the Premier League this season.
The 24-year-old, who joined Brentford from Club Brugge in 2024, has seen a dramatic turnaround after an injury-hit debut campaign.
Brentford head coach Keith Andrews praised the striker’s progress, saying: “Really proud of what he’s done to get to this point.”
He added: “It has been a dream and a huge ambition for him. When he pulls on that iconic jersey it will be a special moment for Thiago and his family.”
Rayan headlines youthful additions
Nineteen-year-old Rayan, currently with Bournemouth, also earns his first senior call-up after a promising start in England following his move from Vasco da Gama.
The squad features other new faces, including Gabriel Sara and Léo Pereira, while Endrick returns after a year away from international duty.
However, veteran forward Neymar was omitted due to fitness concerns.
“I haven’t called him up because he’s not 100 per cent,” Ancelotti said. “But for the final squad, that’s another story.”
Focus shifts to World Cup preparation
The friendlies will serve as Brazil’s final preparatory matches before the 2026 FIFA World Cup squad is finalised.
Brazil are scheduled to face France on March 26 in Boston before taking on Croatia on March 31 in Orlando.
Five-time world champions Brazil will open their World Cup campaign against Morocco, with additional group-stage fixtures against Haiti and Scotland.
Complete Brazil Squad
Goalkeepers: Alisson (Liverpool), Bento (Al-Nassr), Ederson (Fenerbahce)
Defenders: Alex Sandro (Flamengo), Bremer (Juventus), Danilo (Flamengo), Douglas Santos (Zenit Saint-Petersburg), Gabriel Magalhaes (Arsenal), Ibanez (Al-Ahli), Leo Pereira (Flamengo), Marquinhos (Paris St-Germain), Wesley (Roma)
Midfielders: Andrey Santos (Chelsea), Casemiro (Manchester United), Danilo (Botafogo) Fabinho (Al-Ittihad), Gabriel Sara (Galarasaray)
Forwards: Endrick (Lyon), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal), Igor Thiago (Brentford), Joao Pedro (Chelsea), Luiz Henrique (Zenit Saint-Petersburg), Matheus Cunha (Manchester United), Raphinha (Barcelona), Rayan (Bournemouth), Vinicius Jr (Real Madrid)