Rodrygo Sidelined as Ancelotti Leads Brazil in Tight WCQ Opener
Here’s something few expected—Carlo Ancelotti, in his first match as Brazil’s head coach against Ecuador, left out Rodrygo, a forward who’s delivered big moments in past qualifiers. The match, watched intensely across South America, ended 0-0, but the real story wasn’t just the scoreline. It was about the choices Ancelotti made—including sitting out a player many see as crucial to Brazil’s attacking firepower.
Just a few months ago, Rodrygo was in the headlines for scoring the winning goal against Ecuador in the September 2024 qualifier. That strike had come with Vinicius Jr. and Lucas Paqueta acting as his partners up front. This time around, Ancelotti picked a noticeably different lineup, signaling a new era in Brazil’s game—and perhaps a new set of priorities. What’s going on behind these decisions?
Ancelotti’s Selection Sparks New Questions for Brazil
With Ancelotti’s arrival, many had expected to see a blend of familiar faces and fresh ideas. That’s what happens when a high-profile coach takes charge of a national team: everyone’s position is suddenly in play. For Rodrygo, this meant an unexpected step back. Did Ancelotti want more experience on the pitch? Was he worried about defensive stability? Or was it the classic case of squad rotation, a tactic top managers often use to manage fatigue and injuries over a long qualifying campaign?
The Italian coach hasn’t said much publicly, but watching the match offered some clues. Brazil saw lots of the ball, enjoying 58% possession. But they couldn’t break down Ecuador’s defense—something that might have made fans wish they’d had a direct goal threat like Rodrygo on the pitch. Instead of speed and tricky runs, Brazil’s attack felt cautious, perhaps reflecting Ancelotti’s emphasis on not conceding first in such a high-stakes game.
It’s not like Brazil is short on attacking talent. With names like Vinicius Jr. and Paqueta, and a bench packed with well-known players, any choice was bound to leave out someone important. Maybe Ancelotti wanted to test a new formation, or he simply thought another player would fit a defensive game plan better. Veteran managers sometimes pick players based on how well they follow tactical orders, not just how flashy they are up front.
The timing could also play a part. The international calendar is packed, and stars like Rodrygo are logging heavy minutes for their clubs in Europe. Giving him a break might have been about protecting his fitness—especially if Brazil expects to rely on him in tougher matches down the road. The lack of an official statement just adds more fuel to the debate about what really drove the decision.
Whatever the real reason, Rodrygo’s absence in Ancelotti’s first match laid bare the tough balancing act of managing Brazil’s squad. Integrating a new coach’s strategy, rotating players, and keeping everyone fresh while aiming for World Cup success is never simple. The goalless draw with Ecuador has put every lineup choice under the microscope, especially when it comes to big names being left out. One thing is clear: under Ancelotti, competition for attacking spots in Brazil’s team just got Rodrygo-level intense.
