With just over three months remaining before the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Brazilian football is already engulfed in controversy. The focal point of the debate is Neymar, as Brazil’s national team coach, Carlo Ancelotti, has chosen to exclude the 34-year-old superstar from the squad for upcoming friendly matches ahead of the tournament. The decision has drawn sharp criticism from legendary Brazilian forwards Romário and Ronaldo Nazário.
Brazil are set to face France in a friendly this Thursday evening, followed by a second match against Croatia on 1 April (Bangladesh time). Neymar, sidelined from the national team since suffering a severe knee injury at the end of 2023, is conspicuously absent from the squads for both fixtures. Ancelotti has emphasised match fitness and the integration of younger talent, signalling a shift towards building a squad for the future. However, Romário believes that the coach is prematurely discarding one of Brazil’s most potent weapons.
Speaking to the Brazilian outlet Jornal O Dia, Romário stressed the importance of valuing talent above all else. He stated, “A star player must play. The national team is for the best. One month is enough during World Cup preparation for an athlete to regain fitness. Even if not fully fit, having a player like Neymar in the squad is far better than any other option.”
The 1994 World Cup winner also added, “Talent cannot be wasted. No coach can run a team without exceptional players. 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 title. Mr Ancelotti, please keep an eye on him.”
Ronaldo Nazário, known as “The Phenomenon,” echoed Romário’s sentiment, albeit more measured. Speaking to CNN Brazil, the two-time World Cup winner said, “There’s no need to test Neymar, who has scored 79 goals in 128 international matches. If he is physically fit, I would take him to the World Cup. I trust Ancelotti will do the same. He may not play every match, but wherever he goes, he proves himself. Recent injuries aside, there’s no need for further assessment to include him in the squad.”
The final World Cup squad is expected to be announced in mid-May. Before then, Neymar’s path back into the team depends on demonstrating consistent fitness. While he has missed five matches for Santos this season, he has shone in the appearances he has made, scoring three goals and providing one assist in just three matches in the Brazilian Serie A, sending a clear message: “I’m far from finished.”
Neymar’s Recent Form and Fitness
| Team / Season | Matches Played | Goals | Assists | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Santos (2026) | 3 | 3 | 1 | Missed 5 games due to injury, strong form when playing |
| Brazil National Team | – | – | – | Absent since late 2023 knee injury |
| International Career | 128 | 79 | – | World Cup inclusion justified by track record |
The debate surrounding Neymar’s inclusion highlights a broader tension in Brazilian football between nurturing emerging talent and leveraging established stars. Romário’s warning serves as a reminder that in elite football, experience and proven skill remain invaluable, even amidst a drive for youth and fitness.