{
  "id": 7303916,
  "title": "Ancelotti backs Neymar for World Cup, confirms end of star's Brazil spell",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/14/ancelotti-backs-neymar-for-world-cup-confirms-end-of-stars-brazil",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-14T11:10:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/ancelotti-backs-neymar-world-cup-111000548.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Italian coach Carlo Ancelotti has officially confirmed the end of Neymar's era with the Brazilian national team. In an interview with CNN Esportes S/A, Ancelotti stated that Neymar himself made the decision to not return to the team. The presence of the No. 10 at the last World Cup ignited intense discussions among fans and the sports media, primarily concerning the player's fitness and sharpness for a short tournament, as well as his absence from the 2026 World Cup cycle. Despite the criticism Neymar has faced, Ancelotti strongly defended his selection, praising the player's historic talent and brilliance. He emphasized that Neymar was deserving of his place due to his exceptional quality. Neymar has confirmed that he does not wish to return to the national team, and the Brazilian coaching staff acknowledges that he is an irreplaceable and extraordinary player. With Neymar's international retirement confirmed, the focus of the coaching staff is shifting towards the future. Ancelotti and national team director Rodrigo Caetano have already indicated that they will initiate a comprehensive renewal process within the squad, prioritizing young talents for the upcoming cycles.",
  "summary": "Brazil national team coach Carlo Ancelotti “officially” confirmed the end of Neymar’s era in the yellow and green shirt.In an interview with CNN Esportes S/A last Sunday (13), the Italian manage...",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "MyJoyOnline Ghana",
        "title": "‘The future is bright’ – Gyan backs Black Princesses squad after U-20 World Cup exit",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/14/the-future-is-bright-gyan-backs-black-princesses-squad-after-u-20",
        "published": "2026-09-14T10:19:37.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Punch Nigeria",
        "title": "Yamal backs himself for 2026 Ballon d’Or after World Cup, La Liga wins",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/14/yamal-backs-himself-for-2026-ballon-dor-after-world-cup-la-liga-wins",
        "published": "2026-09-14T13:06:04.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}