Santos star Neymar hasn’t played for Brazil since 2023 but is still dreaming of a 2026 World Cup spot with the seleção
Neymar played the full game as Santos drew with Corinthians at the weekend, but despite scoring two goals in four games this season, he has once again been left out of the Brazil squad by Carlo Ancelotti. The country’s all-time leading goalscorer has spoken out on his disappointment over his continued exile from national team duties.
Neymar last played for his country in October 2023 in a 2-0 defeat against Uruguay when he suffered an ACL and meniscus tear that required surgery.
Although he returned for the 2025 season with Santos, scoring 11 goals in 28 games, he has yet to do enough to convince national team head coach Ancelotti that he is worthy of a recall.
Neymar frustrated but focused
Neymar’s pride in pulling on the yellow jersey has always been evident and he’s not given up on earning a recall in time for this summer’s World Cup. Speaking to MadHouseTV, though, he expressed his frustration at his absence from the Canarinho set-up.
“I’m going to speak because I can’t stay silent,” said Neymar.
“Obviously, I’m annoyed and sad about not being called up, but my focus remains the same: day after day, training session after training session, match after match.”
Ancelotti leaves the door open for Neymar return
For his part, Brazil’s Italian head coach has not ruled out a return for the 34-year-old attacker, pointing out that he could still make the World Cup squad. Ancelotti also explained that Neymar’s absence from this most recent squad is due to not being fully fit.
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“Neymar is not at 100 percent and therefore he is not on the list,” Ancelotti said on Monday after revealing his squad list.
“Neymar is not at 100 percent of his capability. If he can be at 100 percent physically, he can be there. Neymar could be at the World Cup.
“Neymar has to keep working, playing, showcasing his qualities and maintaining good physical condition.”
Brazil squad for friendlies against France and Croatia
Goalkeepers: Alisson (Liverpool), Éderson (Fenerbahce), Bento (Al Nassr).
Defenders: Alex Sandro (Flamengo), Danilo (Flamengo), Douglas Santos (Zenit), Bremer (Juventus), Gabriel Magalhães (Arsenal), Léo Pereira (Flamengo), Marquinhos (PSG), Ibañez (Al-Ahly), Wesley (Roma).
Midfielders: Casemiro (Manchester United), Fabinho (Al-Ittihad), Andrey Santos (Chelsea), Danilo (Botafogo), Gabriel Sara (Galatasaray).
Forwards: Vinícius Júnior (Real Madrid), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal), Igor Thiago (Brentford), Endrick (Lyon), Matheus Cunha (Manchester United), Raphinha (Barcelona), Luiz Henrique (Zenit), Rayan (Bournemouth), João Pedro (Chelsea).