Rio de Janeiro: Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti has acknowledged that Neymar's international career appears to have come to a natural end after the veteran forward said earlier this week that he believes his time with the national team is over.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with The Associated Press, Ancelotti praised Neymar's professionalism during the 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign, despite the 34-year-old being hampered by injuries throughout the tournament.

Neymar, who was included in Brazil's World Cup squad despite concerns over his fitness, is no longer part of Ancelotti's plans as the five-time world champions begin building towards the 2030 World Cup.

"That's part of the natural trajectory of a great talent like Neymar," Ancelotti said.

"It is like it is for others who finish an important time with the national team. We spent little time together, but I have only good things to say. He was serious, professional, he helped in whichever way he could. Too bad he had this injury that did not allow him to be 100 per cent since the first game."

Ancelotti's comments came days after Neymar repeated that he believes his Brazil career has come to an end, signalling another international retirement after an injury-hit final World Cup appearance.

The Italian coach, who is recovering from Brazil's round-of-16 exit to Norway at the 2026 World Cup, said the team's future now lies in developing a new generation of players rather than relying on a single superstar.

"At this moment, football doesn't need one single star - we need to reinforce the concept of the team," the coach said.

"Brazil doesn't have a single reference point right now, and it doesn't need one. We have many great players. The goal is to build a strong, cohesive team."

Ancelotti said Brazil's preparations for the 2030 World Cup will focus heavily on youth development, with the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics expected to play a key role in identifying future national team players.

"We are in contact with the U-15, U-17, and U-20 coaches to identify talent and track their progress, ensuring they are prepared for the next World Cup," Ancelotti said.

"Four years ago, Rayan was playing U-17. It is vital to look at youth development now so that by 2030 we have another generation of players progressing like him."

The coach also stressed that Brazil should learn from successful nations rather than imitate them.

"We don't need to copy - we need to learn where we can improve," Ancelotti said.

"Some positions are well-covered, both in defence and attack. We are looking for improvement and development among the midfielders. And the Olympics could be a crucial moment (to find players)."

Brazil's next cycle begins with friendlies against Australia in September and India in October as Ancelotti starts rebuilding the squad ahead of the 2028 Copa America and the 2030 World Cup.