Brazil’s technical lead, Carlo Ancelotti, has offered clarity regarding his decision to omit Neymar from the national team’s roster for the upcoming high-profile exhibitions against France and Croatia. The squad announcement, which took place this Monday, confirmed that the veteran forward would not be traveling for the matches scheduled for later this month. According to the Italian tactician, the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain standout has not yet met the physical benchmarks required for a return to the Seleção, marking a continuation of an international hiatus that dates back to 2023.
Ancelotti emphasized that the door remains open for the iconic playmaker, but only under the condition that he achieves peak match sharpness. The manager’s comments suggest a long-term view of the player’s utility, provided he can sustain the rigors of elite professional football in the buildup to the next global tournament.
Detailing the rationale behind the exclusion to ESPN, Ancelotti stated:
“Neymar is not at 100%. If he can be at 100% physically, he can be there. Neymar could be at the World Cup. He has to keep working, playing, showcasing his qualities and maintaining good physical condition.”
The manager’s stance underscores a shift toward a meritocracy based on current physical data rather than past reputation. For Neymar, the path back to the yellow jersey now clearly relies on his performances and durability at the club level. As Brazil prepares to test themselves against elite European opposition, the focus remains on a squad built for immediate intensity, leaving the veteran to focus on his rehabilitation and form in hopes of making the final cut for future competitive cycles.
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