Brazilian football is already ablaze with controversy as the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, centred on the exclusion of Neymar from the squad for upcoming friendly matches. Coach Carlo Ancelotti has left the 34-year-old star out of the team for fixtures against France and Croatia, a decision that has drawn sharp criticism from legendary figures such as Romario and Ronaldo Nazário.
Brazil will face France in a friendly on Thursday night, followed by a second match against Croatia on 1 April (Bangladesh time). Neymar, recovering from a severe knee injury sustained in late 2023, has not featured for the national team since. Ancelotti has emphasised squad fitness and the integration of younger talent, but Romario believes this approach risks discarding Brazil’s most potent attacking weapon too early.
Speaking to Brazilian media outlet Jornal O Dia, Romario stressed the importance of valuing talent above all else. He stated:
“A star must play. The national team is for the best. One month is enough for an athlete to regain fitness for the World Cup. Even if he’s not fully fit, having a player like Neymar in the squad is far better than any other player.”
The 1994 World Cup winner added:
“Talent should never be wasted. No coach can run a team without it. I hope Neymar proves in the Brazilian Championship that he deserves a place in the final squad and can compete for a sixth World Cup victory. Whether he goes or not, my dream of a sixth title will continue.”
He concluded with a pointed message for Ancelotti:
“Mister, keep an eye on Neymar!”
Ronaldo Nazário, ‘The Phenomenon’, echoed Romario’s sentiments with more measured caution. The two-time World Cup winner told CNN Brazil:
“Neymar, with 79 goals in 128 internationals, doesn’t need testing. If fit, I would take him to the World Cup. I hope he gets there, and Ancelotti will select him. He may not play every match, but wherever he’s gone, he has proved himself. He has struggled with injuries recently, but no reassessment is needed to include him in the squad.”
The final 2026 World Cup squad will be announced in mid-May. Neymar’s only path to inclusion is demonstrating full fitness and consistency—talent has never been in question. This season for Santos, he has missed five matches due to injury but has still shone when on the pitch, scoring three goals and providing one assist in just three appearances in the Brazilian Série A.
| Season 2026 – Santos Performance | Matches Played | Goals | Assists | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | Fully fit, strong performance |
| Match 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | Consistent influence |
| Match 3 | 1 | 1 | 0 | Demonstrating form |
| Matches missed | 5 | – | – | Injury recovery |
With the World Cup looming, Neymar’s fitness and continuity remain central to Brazil’s hopes. The debate over his omission has ignited discussions on balancing raw talent with tactical strategy, making his forthcoming performances a critical indicator for Ancelotti’s final squad decisions.