“Hey Ancelotti what about me? The national team has just been announced. We were not called up. I’m sad obviously.” These were the words of Neymar following his omission from Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil squad for upcoming friendlies against France and Croatia.
Neymar, who holds the record as Brazil’s top goalscorer with 79 goals in 128 games, has not played for the national team since 2023 due to an ACL injury. His absence raises concerns about his fitness and future participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Carlo Ancelotti’s decision to exclude Neymar was reportedly based on fitness rather than his status as a player. Ancelotti stated, “This decision was made with the team’s best interests in mind, focusing on players who are currently fit and ready to compete.”
Despite this setback, Neymar’s agent, Pini Zahavi, remains optimistic. He stated, “I believe Ancelotti will not make this mistake to give up the heart of Brazil, which is Neymar Jr.” This sentiment reflects the belief that Neymar still holds a crucial role in Brazil’s World Cup plans.
In the meantime, Brazil’s squad includes notable players such as Raphinha, Joao Pedro, and Vinícius Jr, who will take the field in the upcoming matches. Neymar expressed his disappointment but added, “Now it’s time to keep working, keep improving in everything and if there’s an opportunity, be prepared.”
The backdrop of Neymar’s omission is his recent injuries and lack of form, which have cast doubt on his ability to contribute effectively to the national team. As Brazil prepares for these friendlies, the focus will be on how the team performs without their star player.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding Neymar’s future in the national team, as his fitness and performance levels continue to be scrutinized. The final decision on Brazil’s World Cup squad is still pending, leaving fans and analysts alike to speculate on Neymar’s potential return.
