Carlo Ancelotti Criticized Over His Handling of Neymar at the 2026 FIFA World Cup

Neymar's limited role at the 2026 FIFA World Cup continues to divide opinions in Brazil. An Olympic gold-winning coach believes the star deserved the same treatment as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo—and even hopes to see him return for 2030.

The Comments That Reignited the Debate Over Neymar

Brazil's elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup continues to generate discussion, but the focus has shifted from the defeat against Norway to the way Carlo Ancelotti managed Neymar throughout the tournament. Just when it seemed the conversation had ended following the forward's retirement from international football, one of Brazil's most respected coaches brought the issue back into the spotlight.

That voice belongs to Rogerio Micale, the coach who guided Brazil to Olympic gold. Micale publicly stated that he never understood why Neymar played such a limited role during the World Cup, especially considering the influence he has had on the national team throughout his career.

According to comments reported by ESPN, Micale believes the Santos star deserved far more trust from Ancelotti, even if he was not fully fit. In his view, a player of Neymar's stature always brings something different to the squad, both on and off the pitch.

Micale Compared Neymar's Situation to Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Salah

Rogerio Micale went far beyond simply defending Neymar. The Brazilian coach argued that elite players require special management to perform at their highest level, pointing to Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Mohamed Salah as examples.

For Micale, Brazil should have built a similar environment around Neymar, just as other national teams create conditions that allow their biggest stars to thrive.

"For me, Neymar is Brazil's best player," Micale said, while recalling his experience working in Egypt, where he witnessed firsthand how an entire system is designed to maximize Salah's performances.

He also addressed the concerns surrounding Neymar's fitness. While acknowledging that the forward was not at one hundred percent physically, Micale insisted that a player of his caliber contributes much more than his physical condition alone.

Neymar's Limited Minutes Continue to Fuel the Controversy

The debate is not based only on opinions—it is also backed by the numbers. During the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Neymar played just 14 minutes against Scotland before appearing for 23 minutes in Brazil's 2-1 Round of 16 loss to Norway.

He managed to score a late penalty in that match, but the goal was not enough to prevent Brazil's elimination after Erling Haaland inspired Norway to victory.

Micale's comments strengthen that insisting in Neymar's talent, experience, and influence justified giving him a much bigger role during the World Cup.

Could Neymar Still Return for the 2030 FIFA World Cup?

Beyond criticizing the coaching decisions, Rogerio Micale also delivered a message that surprised many Brazilian fans: he still believes Neymar can wear Brazil's jersey again.

The coach admitted he would gladly pay for a ticket just to watch Neymar play, insisting that, as long as he is physically capable of competing, he remains an "indisputable" player.

The reality, however, is far more complicated. Following Brazil's heartbreaking defeat to Norway at MetLife Stadium, Neymar tearfully announced his retirement from international football, ending a journey that had begun at that very stadium back in 2010.