No Neymar in Kolkata: Why Brazil’s legend won’t play India in historic friendly | Football News
Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti has announced a new-look squad for the team’s upcoming friendly matches against Australia and India, beginning a rebuild after the FIFA World Cup 2026.The squad has several new faces, with only a few players from Brazil’s World Cup squad retained. However, Indian football fans will still get to see some of Brazil’s biggest stars when the team plays India in Kolkata on October 3.Ancelotti has included Vinicius Jr, Raphinha, Marquinhos, Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Magalhaes for the upcoming friendlies against Australia and India.Brazil will play Australia on September 26 and September 29 before travelling to India for a historic friendly in Kolkata.Three players in the squad — Vinicius Jr of Real Madrid, Marquinhos of Paris Saint-Germain and Gabriel Magalhaes of Arsenal — have been shortlisted for the 2026 Ballon d’Or.Vinicius is the biggest name in the squad and has received his fifth Ballon d’Or nomination. He also won FIFA’s The Best award in 2024.Marquinhos captained Brazil at the World Cup and is also the captain of Paris Saint-Germain, leading the club during its back-to-back UEFA Champions League titles.
Why Neymar is missing the India friendly
Indian fans will not get to watch Neymar, as the Brazilian forward retired from international football after the FIFA World Cup 2026.Neymar announced his retirement following Brazil’s shocking Round of 16 exit from the World Cup.The Santos forward has spent years leading Brazil at major tournaments despite struggling with injuries during different stages of his career.His final appearance for Brazil came in the World Cup defeat against Norway. Neymar scored a late penalty in the last minutes of the match, giving Brazil a chance to fight back, but Norway went on to win 2-1 and Brazil were knocked out of the tournament.
