Neymar breaks his silence after being left out by Ancelotti

The latest Brazil national team squad for friendlies against France and Croatia brought a major talking point: Neymar Jr. was not included in the list announced by Carlo Ancelotti.

The Italian coach revealed the squad for the upcoming international window, which carries particular significance because it is the final call-up before the last squad selection ahead of the 2026 World Cup. In that context, the absence of Brazil’s historic star quickly sparked debate.

At 34 years old, the current Santos forward is still working to regain full form after a series of injuries that have kept him away from his best level. While his talent has never been questioned, the coaching staff believes his physical condition is not yet ideal for international competition.

According to comments from Ancelotti, the decision was not based on technical ability but rather on fitness concerns. The coach emphasized that Brazil currently needs players who arrive at camp in top physical condition, especially at such a crucial stage in the World Cup cycle.

However, the Italian manager also avoided completely ruling out the country’s all-time leading scorer.

Neymar’s reaction: “I can’t let this pass”

The player’s response came quickly. While attending the Brazil Kings League, a tournament where he owns a team, Neymar decided to openly address the coach’s decision.

The Brazilian did not hide his emotions and delivered a strong message:

“I’m going to say it because I can’t let this pass. Obviously, I’m upset and sad about not being called up,” the forward admitted.

Despite the frustration, the player also wanted to make it clear that his mindset remains unchanged. According to him, he will continue working to regain his best form and convince the coaching staff that he still has something to offer the national team.

“The focus remains the same, day after day, training after training, match after match. We will achieve our goal. There is still one final call-up left,” he added.

Ancelotti’s explanation: it all comes down to fitness

While Neymar expressed his frustration, Carlo Ancelotti clearly explained the reasoning behind the decision. According to the Italian coach, the player’s talent is not in question, but his physical condition still raises concerns.

“Neymar can be at the World Cup. But right now he is not at 100%, and we need players who are in perfect condition,” the coach stated.

The message shows that if the forward manages to recover his best physical shape in the coming months, he could still be part of the World Cup project.

According to the coach and his staff, Neymar will continue to be closely monitored throughout the rest of the season. His physical evolution and competitive rhythm will play a crucial role in determining whether he can return to wearing Brazil’s shirt.

Is Neymar’s final World Cup dream fading?

The situation raises a major question in Brazilian football: will Neymar make it to the 2026 World Cup?

The forward has not played for the national team since October 2023, when he suffered a serious injury during a World Cup qualifier against Uruguay. Since then, his career has been marked by recovery periods and limited continuity.

Meanwhile, Ancelotti has started to rely on a mix of experience and youth in Brazil’s attack. Players such as Vinícius Jr., Raphinha, Gabriel Martinelli and Endrick are emerging as the foundation of the team’s offensive line.

This does not mean Neymar is completely out of the picture, but it reflects a clear reality: Brazil is building its future without depending entirely on its historic star.

Even so, the player remains hopeful. The dream is still alive and there is one final opportunity left to convince the coach.

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