Although many expected a squad closer to the final World Cup selection, Ancelotti chose to experiment with new faces. Among the fresh additions are defender Ibanez from Al Ahli and midfielder Gabriel Sara, who came up through Sao Paulo and is now a star at Galatasaray.
Flashscore profiles both players and highlights the qualities that convinced the coach to give them a chance during this March international window.
Ibanez: From Fluminense to Mourinho’s trusted man
At 27, Ibanez is a centre-back known for his physical strength and ability to play out from the back. These traits made him a trusted player for Jose Mourinho at Roma, before his move to Al Ahli.
Raised in the youth system at Fluminense, the defender from Rio Grande do Sul can play in a back four or as one of the anchors in a three-man defence.
His move to Saudi football hasn’t diminished his reputation; in fact, he’s been a regular feature in the league’s Team of the Week, maintaining the consistent performances that previously earned him call-ups to the Brazil national team.
At Al Ahli, Ibanez has established himself as one of the league’s top defenders, standing out not only for his precise tackles but also for his knack for scoring from set pieces - an asset Ancelotti values in his back line.
With solid experience in Europe, including a Conference League title with Roma, he brings valuable international pedigree.
He’s been playing in Saudi Arabia since the 2023/24 season and has already made 113 appearances for Al Ahli, scoring 13 goals and providing five assists. His best season was last year, when he netted seven goals and registered four assists in 46 matches.
Gabriel Sara: From Sao Paulo to stardom in Turkey
Gabriel Sara’s call-up is the culmination of a meteoric rise since leaving Sao Paulo. At 26, the Cotia academy product is enjoying the peak of his career at Galatasaray, where he’s become the heartbeat of the team and one of the main playmakers in the Champions League - including a standout performance with a goal and an assist against Juventus.
Sara is renowned for his sharp vision and ability to deliver key passes, but he also brings defensive intensity and a high work rate.
His European journey has been marked by impressive adaptation, including a spell at Norwich in England, where he was named the club’s player of the season before taking the number eight shirt at the Turkish giants.
His ability to play both as a box-to-box midfielder and as a more advanced playmaker gives Ancelotti crucial tactical flexibility for facing top sides like France.
Since arriving in Turkish football for the 2024/25 season, Gabriel Sara has made 82 appearances for Galatasaray, scoring eight goals and providing 12 assists.