No Neymar in Kolkata: Why Brazil legend won’t play India in historic friendly

Brazil’s Neymar gestures as he leaves the field after the World Cup soccer Group C match between Scotland and Brazil in Miami Gardens, Florida, Wednesday, June 24, 2026. (AP Photo) Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti has announced a new squad look for the team’s upcoming friendlies against Australia and India, which kicks off a rebuild after the 2026 FIFA World Cup.The team has some 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 takes on India in Kolkata on October 3.Ancelotti included Vinicius Jr., Raphinha, Marquinhos, Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Magalhaes as his closest friends against Australia and India.Brazil will face Australia on September 26 and 29 before traveling to India for a historic friendly in Kolkata.Three players in the squad – Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr, Paris Saint-Germain’s Marquinhos and Arsenal’s Gabriel Magalhaes – have been nominated for the 2026 Ballon d’Or.Vinicius is the biggest name in the team and has received his fifth Ballon d’Or nomination. He also won FIFA The Best in 2024.Marquinhos captained Brazil at the World Cup and is also the captain of Paris Saint-Germain, leading the club during their back-to-back UEFA Champions League titles.

Why Neymar misses India friendly

Indian fans will not be able to watch Neymar as the Brazilian forward has retired from international football after the 2026 FIFA World Cup.Neymar announced his retirement following Brazil’s shock round of 16 exit from the World Cup.Striker Santos has spent years leading Brazil at major tournaments despite struggling with injuries at various stages of his career.His last appearance for Brazil came in the World Cup defeat against Norway. Neymar scored a late penalty in the dying minutes of the match to give Brazil a chance to fight back, but Norway won 2–1 and Brazil were eliminated from the tournament.