Neymar‘s aspirations to participate in the World Cup are dwindling as the Santos forward has once again been omitted from Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti’s squad for the upcoming friendlies in the United States.
The matches against France on March 26 in Boston and Croatia on March 31 in Orlando will serve as the final opportunities for players to impress before Ancelotti announces his definitive World Cup roster on May 18.
Following the announcement of the squad on Monday, Neymar expressed to reporters at an event in Sao Paulo his feelings of being “upset and sad” about not being selected for the friendlies.
“Nevertheless, my focus is unwavering; I continue to train diligently and compete fiercely. We still have time before the final squad is revealed,” Neymar stated.
Neymar, Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with 79 goals, hasn’t represented the national team since sustaining an ACL and meniscus tear in his left knee in October 2023. After playing 90 minutes in a 1-1 draw with Corinthians, which had two of Ancelotti’s assistants scouting him, he reiterated his desire to compete for Brazil in the World Cup.
At 34, Neymar’s performance was modest, especially after missing out on the previous match where Ancelotti was present.
“Neymar is not at 100 percent, which is why he isn’t included in the squad,” Ancelotti explained on Monday. “If he can reach full physical condition, he has the potential to be part of the World Cup. Neymar must continue working, playing to show his abilities, and maintain good fitness.”
Endrick, who transferred to Lyon from Real Madrid in the winter transfer window and has netted six goals in 12 games, has received a call-up from Ancelotti for the first time since he took over in June.
Additionally, Brentford‘s Igor Thiago has earned his first call-up and is part of Brazil’s 26-man roster.
Leading Brazil’s forward line will be Barcelona’s Raphinha and Real Madrid’s Vinícius Júnior, along with Chelsea’s João Pedro and Matheus Cunha. Midfielder Lucas Paquetá, who recently joined Flamengo from West Ham United, has not been included, while veteran midfielder Manchester United‘s Casemiro is part of the roster.
“We are preparing thoroughly for this World Cup. Our objective is to be in optimal technical, physical, and mental condition,” Ancelotti stated. “There are players who have earned their spot due to their excellent performances in their leagues, such as Endrick, Rayan, and Danilo.”
Ancelotti also discussed the possibility of extending his contract as Brazil’s manager through the 2030 World Cup, indicating that the Brazilian Football Confederation plans to offer him a new deal after this summer.
“When both parties wish to continue, I don’t foresee any issues,” Ancelotti remarked. “We will formalize this extension either prior to or after the next World Cup.”
Brazil will kick off their World Cup journey against Morocco on June 13. The five-time champions are also set to face Scotland and Haiti in Group C.
“Making the extension before the World Cup will be more economical; it will become costly afterward,” Ancelotti joked. “I’m very optimistic.”
Complete Brazil Squad:
Goalkeepers: Alisson (Liverpool), Bento (Al Nassr), Éderson (Fenerbahçe).
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).
Information from The Associated Press contributed to this report.