Casemiro, Danilo set to retire from Brazil national team

Veteran Brazil stars Casemiro and Danilo set to retire from international football, according to Head coach Carlo Ancelotti.

He said the experienced duo will no longer represent the Seleção, following Neymar's recent decision to step away from the national team.

Speaking to Brazilian outlet Globo, the 67-year-old Italian coach said the World Cup marked the end of a significant generation in Brazilian football.

"I believe this World Cup brought an important generation of Brazilian football to a close. Along with Neymar, Danilo and Casemiro—who were all over 30 during the tournament—have also reached the end of their journey with the national team," Ancelotti said.

Casemiro, 34, is expected to join Inter Miami, where he will become a teammate of Lionel Messi, while 35-year-old Danilo currently plays for Brazilian giants Flamengo. Both featured in all five of Brazil's matches at the recent World Cup.

Casemiro ends his international career with 91 appearances, while Danilo bows out after 75 caps, having been key figures in Brazil's defense and midfield over the past decade.

Neymar had earlier announced his retirement from international football following Santos' victory in the Copa Sudamericana, bringing an end to one of the most celebrated careers in Brazil's history.

Ancelotti said Brazil's focus has now shifted toward building a new generation capable of competing for the 2028 Copa América, although he stressed that not every experienced player would be phased out.

"We'll build around young talents, but experienced leaders like Marquinhos will continue to play an important role in the squad," he added.

Brazil's rebuilding process will begin with international friendlies later this year. The five-time world champions are scheduled to face Australia in Townsville on September 25 and Brisbane on September 29, before taking on India in Kolkata on October 3.