Real Madrid’s marquee attacker, Kylian Mbappe, has weighed in on the recent omission of his former teammate Neymar from the Brazilian national team, asserting that the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup would be incomplete without the presence of the legendary playmaker. This development follows the squad announcement by Brazil’s head coach, Carlo Ancelotti, for the high-profile international friendlies against France and Croatia scheduled for later this month. Despite the anticipation surrounding the “Seleção” roster, the veteran Italian manager opted to exclude the Santos star, maintaining that the forward has yet to achieve the 100% physical fitness required for elite international competition.
The decision has evidently personal repercussions for Neymar, who openly shared his disappointment and sorrow regarding the exclusion from the upcoming window. While the playmaker continues his rehabilitation journey in Brazil, the footballing world has been debating whether his absence from these friendlies signals a broader shift in Ancelotti’s tactical plans for the summer tournament in North America. However, Mbappe remains steadfast in his belief that the Brazilian icon will regain his peak condition in time to lead his nation on the world stage.
In a recent interview with Ge.Globe, which was later highlighted by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Mbappe offered his perspective on the situation:
“Neymar is Neymar. The World Cup is for world stars, and he will be there. I can not imagine a World Cup without Ney, but I won’t go against Ancelotti. I’m sure Ney will get ready.”
Mbappe’s comments reflect a deep respect for the individual brilliance that Neymar brings to the global game, even while acknowledging the authority of his current club manager, Ancelotti, who now balances duties between Madrid and the Brazilian national setup. For Brazil, the stakes are incredibly high as they look to end their World Cup drought, and the fitness of their most experienced creative outlet remains a central talking point.
As the summer tournament approaches, the medical and technical staff will be under immense pressure to monitor the forward’s progress. While Ancelotti’s current priority is ensuring player longevity and match-readiness, Mbappe’s public endorsement serves as a reminder of the psychological and commercial weight Neymar carries. The footballing community now watches closely to see if the “world star” can indeed find his rhythm and prove Mbappe’s confidence justified by June.
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