Gabriel Sara has been named in Carlo Ancelotti’s 55-man preliminary Brazil World Cup squad, putting the former Norwich City midfielder in contention for a place in the final 26-man group that will be announced on May 18.
For Sara, the call-up is the latest step in a season that has pushed him into Brazil’s thinking. He has made 42 appearances for Galatasaray and recorded 11 goal contributions in all competitions, helping the Turkish side win the Süper Lig title for a second straight year after lifting it in his debut campaign.
Sara said playing in a World Cup for Brazil is “every player’s dream” and described the chance as a childhood ambition. He added that he has worked hard this season with that target in mind, but said he is keeping his feet on the ground and will accept whatever decision the coach makes.
Brazil’s squad selection carries extra weight for Sara because he has only recently broken into the senior international picture. He made his Brazil debut against France in March, a match he later said felt “magical,” even if he was frustrated after the final whistle because Brazil lost.
The midfielder said it took time for the scale of that moment to sink in. Only later, back at the hotel, did he begin to realise what had happened after seeing photos and videos from the game. Since then, he has kept pushing for another chance, and the 55-man list shows he remains in the conversation as the coach narrows the field.
Sara’s rise this season has also been marked by a milestone on the European stage. He scored his first Champions League goal against Juventus, adding another significant moment to a campaign that has already included silverware and an international debut.
He said there is “a huge expectation and even anxiety” around who will make the final list, but added that he tries to live one day at a time so he does not become anxious. If he is selected, he said he will give everything. If not, he said he will support Brazil as he always has, describing himself as a fan of the national team above all else.
That connection has been with him for years. Sara said he wears the Brazilian jersey with pride, often turns up for training and travel in national-team colors, and still wakes up in the middle of the night to watch Brazil games. For a player chasing a place at the World Cup, the next date matters most: May 18, when the final 26-man squad is due to be named.
