Neymar’s World Cup Hopes Dim as Brazil Squad is Revealed
The path back to the Brazilian national team for Neymar continues to be fraught with uncertainty. The forward was once again omitted from coach Carlo Ancelotti’s squad for the upcoming friendlies against France on and Croatia on , casting further doubt on his participation in this summer’s World Cup.
Neymar, Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with 79 goals, hasn’t featured for Seleção since October 2023, when a torn ACL and meniscus in his left knee sidelined him. Despite recently completing 90 minutes for Santos in a 1-1 draw with Corinthians – a match attended by two of Ancelotti’s assistants – the 34-year-old wasn’t deemed fit enough to return to the squad for these crucial preparatory matches.
“Neymar is not at 100 percent and therefore he is not on the list,” Ancelotti stated on Monday. “Neymar is not at 100 percent of his capability. If he can be at 100 percent physically, he can be there. Neymar could be at the World Cup. Neymar has to keep working, playing, showcasing his qualities and maintaining good physical condition.”
The decision understandably left Neymar disappointed. Speaking to media in São Paulo after the squad announcement, he expressed his frustration, stating, “I’m upset and sad for not being picked… But my focus remains, day after day, training after training, match after match. We will reach our goal, there’s still the final squad.”
Ancelotti’s squad selection isn’t solely focused on established stars. The inclusion of Lyon’s Endrick, who has impressed since joining the French club in the winter transfer window with six goals in 12 appearances, signals a clear intent to integrate emerging talent. This marks Endrick’s first call-up under Ancelotti, who took over as Brazil’s manager in June.
Brentford’s Igor Thiago has similarly earned his first international call-up, adding another novel face to the 26-man roster. The squad features a blend of experience and youth, with Barcelona’s Raphinha and Real Madrid’s Vinícius Júnior expected to lead the attack alongside Chelsea’s João Pedro and Matheus Cunha.
Manchester United’s Casemiro retains his place in midfield, providing a familiar and experienced presence. However, Lucas Paquetá, who recently rejoined Flamengo from West Ham United, was not included in the squad.
Ancelotti also addressed his future with the Brazilian national team, indicating a willingness to extend his contract through the 2030 World Cup. “We are preparing well for this World Cup. We aim for to arrive in the best possible condition technically, physically and mentally,” he said. He added that the Brazilian federation is preparing a new contract for him, to be finalized either before or after the upcoming tournament. “When a couple wants to carry on I think there’s no problem,” Ancelotti quipped. “Either before or after the next World Cup we will create this extension official.”
Brazil will begin their World Cup campaign against Morocco on . They are also drawn in Group C alongside Scotland and Haiti, presenting a challenging but potentially navigable path to the knockout stages. The pressure will be immense on Ancelotti and his squad to deliver a fifth World Cup title for the footballing giants.
Full Brazil squad:
Goalkeepers: Alisson (Liverpool), Bento (Al Nassr), Éderson (Fenerbahce).
Defenders: Alex Sandro (Flamengo), Bremer (Juventus), Danilo (Flamengo), Douglas Santos (Zenit), Gabriel Magalhães (Arsenal), Ibañez (Al-Ahly), Léo Pereira (Flamengo), Marquinhos (PSG), Wesley (Roma).
Midfielders: Andrey Santos (Chelsea), Casemiro (Manchester United), Danilo (Botafogo), Fabinho (Al-Ittihad), Gabriel Sara (Galatasaray).
Forwards: Endrick (Lyon), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal), Igor Thiago (Brentford), Luiz Henrique (Zenit), Matheus Cunha (Manchester United), Raphinha (Barcelona), Rayan (Bournemouth), Vinícius Júnior (Real Madrid), João Pedro (Chelsea).