Gabriel Sara lands in Brazil's 55-man squad before May 18
gabriel sara is in Carlo Ancelotti’s 55-man preliminary Brazil World Cup squad, putting him within reach of a place in the final 26-man group due on May 18. The Galatasaray midfielder has turned a first Brazil appearance into a real selection case after a season built on volume, goals, and silverware.
Brazil's 55-man list
Sara now sits inside the pool Brazil will trim to 26 players. That leaves him waiting on a cut that will decide whether his first senior cap becomes a one-off or the start of a World Cup run.
The 55-man stage matters because it is the last broad look before the squad narrows. For Sara, inclusion keeps the door open after he made his Brazil debut against France in March.
Galatasaray numbers
His club form explains why he stayed in the frame. Sara has made 42 appearances in all competitions this season and has 11 goal contributions, production that gives Brazil a midfielder who has been on the field often and has delivered in attack.
He has also collected trophies with Galatasaray. Sara won the Turkish Süper Lig in his debut season and lifted it again this campaign, while scoring his first Champions League goal against Juventus.
Sara's Brazil push
Sara has said the World Cup has been his target all season. “Playing in a World Cup for the Brazilian national team is every player’s dream,” he said, adding: “It’s a childhood dream for me. I’ve worked hard this season thinking about it, but I’m keeping my feet on the ground. The coach will call up whoever he considers best.”
He has also described the emotional pull of the shirt itself. “I wear the Brazilian jersey with pride. Many times, I’ve gone to training and on trips wearing the national team jersey. Even today I wake up in the middle of the night to watch the games. Wearing my country’s jersey is something very special to me.”
For Sara, the next step is simple: stay in the 55-man group and wait for the final call. If he makes the cut, he goes from preliminary hopeful to Brazil World Cup squad member; if he does not, the competition closes at 26 without him.
