Brazil’s all-time leading scorer Neymar has broken his silence on his omission from the national team’s latest squad, directly contradicting manager Carlo Ancelotti’s explanation and revealing what he believes to be the real reason behind his exclusion. The Santos forward’s candid response has added a new dimension to the ongoing speculation about his international future and relationship with the Italian coach.
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Neymar Contradicts Ancelotti’s Official Explanation
Following Santos’ goalless draw with Fluminense on Sunday, where he played the full 90 minutes, Neymar offered a starkly different account of his absence from Brazil’s squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Chile and Bolivia. His comments directly challenged the official narrative provided by coach Carlo Ancelotti just days earlier.
“It was some swelling I had in my adductor, some discomfort, but it was nothing serious, so much so that I played today,” Neymar explained to reporters. “I wasn’t going to play against Bahía anyway [on Aug. 24], so they preferred to save me some training sessions, to leave me out so I could recover. I was left out for technical reasons, it has nothing to do with my physical condition, it’s the coach’s opinion and I respect it.”
This statement stands in sharp contrast to Ancelotti’s public justification for the omission. The Italian coach had cited a “minor injury” as the primary reason for not selecting the 33-year-old, emphasizing the need for players to be in optimal physical condition for the demanding qualifiers.
The Coach’s Initial Stance
When Ancelotti announced his 25-man squad on August 25, he was clear about his reasoning regarding Neymar’s absence. “Neymar had a small problem last week, but we don’t need to test Neymar. Everyone knows him. Neymar, like everyone else, has to be in good physical condition to help the National Team perform well in the World Cup,” the coach stated during his press conference.
The Italian manager’s emphasis on physical readiness seemed reasonable given Brazil’s demanding qualification schedule and the high altitude they would face in Bolivia. However, Neymar’s subsequent performance for Santos and his own account of events have cast doubt on this explanation.
| Contrasting Explanations | Ancelotti’s Version | Neymar’s Version |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Reason | Minor injury/physical condition | Technical decision |
| Injury Severity | Significant enough to warrant exclusion | Minor discomfort, nothing serious |
| Player’s Fitness | Questionable physical condition | Fit enough to play 90 minutes |
| Decision Basis | Medical/precautionary | Coach’s tactical preference |
Brazil’s Current Squad Dynamics Under Ancelotti
The Neymar situation reflects broader changes in Brazil’s squad composition since Ancelotti took charge. The Italian coach has made bold selection choices, notably excluding several high-profile players from his recent call-ups. Remarkably, no Real Madrid players were included in the September squad, with Vinícius Júnior, Rodrygo, and Éder Militão all absent.
Ancelotti’s approach appears focused on experimentation and assessment, particularly given that Brazil have already secured their place at the 2026 World Cup. The coach explained his philosophy: “I want to get a closer look at players I don’t know as well on a personal level. This group should have a core of players who will be important for the World Cup. Around this core, we need to test players who could be part of the final squad in the future.”
Complete Brazil Squad for September 2025 Qualifiers
Goalkeepers (3):
- Alisson Becker (Liverpool)
- Bento Matheus (Al-Nassr)
- Hugo Souza (Corinthians)
Defenders (8):
- Alex Sandro (Flamengo)
- Alexsandro Ribeiro (Lille)
- Caio Henrique (Monaco)
- Douglas Santos (Zenit)
- Fabrício Bruno (Cruzeiro)
- Gabriel Magalhães (Arsenal)
- Marquinhos (Paris Saint-Germain) – Captain
- Vanderson (Monaco)
- Wesley Franca (Roma)
Midfielders (5):
- Andrey Santos (Chelsea)
- Bruno Guimarães (Newcastle United)
- Casemiro (Manchester United)
- Joelinton (Newcastle United)
- Lucas Paquetá (West Ham United)
Forwards (8):
- Estêvão (Chelsea)
- Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal)
- João Pedro (Chelsea)
- Kaio Jorge (Cruzeiro)
- Luiz Henrique (Zenit)
- Matheus Cunha (Manchester United)
- Raphinha (Barcelona)
- Richarlison (Tottenham Hotspur)
The squad notably features 12 players from Premier League clubs, demonstrating the continued English top-flight influence on Brazil’s national team. Roma’s Wesley Franca is the sole Serie A representative, while the domestic Brazilian league contributes four players.
The Forward Options Chosen
Instead of Neymar, Ancelotti selected eight forward options for the qualifiers: Estêvão, Gabriel Martinelli, João Pedro, Kaio Jorge, Luiz Henrique, Matheus Cunha, Raphinha, and Richarlison. This diverse group represents a mix of established international players and emerging talents, suggesting the coach’s desire to evaluate alternatives ahead of the World Cup.
The inclusion of Chelsea’s teenage sensation Estêvão and the recall of West Ham’s Lucas Paquetá highlight Ancelotti’s willingness to blend youth with experience. Cruzeiro striker Kaio Jorge stands out as the only newcomer to the squad, demonstrating the coach’s commitment to discovering new talent.
Neymar’s International Exile and Return Journey
The current situation extends Neymar’s absence from international duty to nearly two years. His last appearance for Brazil came in October 2023 during a 2-0 defeat to Uruguay, where he suffered a devastating ACL injury that sidelined him for over a year. The injury marked the beginning of the most challenging period of his international career.
Since returning to action with Santos in January 2025, following his departure from Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal, Neymar has been working to regain match fitness and form. His recent run of seven consecutive full matches for Santos represents significant progress, particularly given his injury-plagued recent years.
| Neymar’s International Record | Statistics |
|---|---|
| Total Caps | 128 appearances |
| International Goals | 79 goals (Brazil’s all-time record) |
| Assists | 59 assists |
| Last Appearance | October 2023 vs Uruguay |
| Injury Sustained | ACL tear (October 2023) |
| Return to Football | January 2025 with Santos |
The Technical Decision Debate
Neymar’s assertion that his omission was based on “technical reasons” rather than fitness concerns raises important questions about Ancelotti’s tactical plans and the player’s role in them. The phrase suggests that the coach may have tactical or stylistic reservations about incorporating Neymar into his current system.
This interpretation gains credence when considering Ancelotti’s overall approach to squad selection. The coach has consistently emphasized his desire to evaluate players he knows less well, implying that his familiarity with established stars like Neymar may actually work against their selection in these experimental phases.
The timing is particularly significant given Brazil’s comfortable position in World Cup qualifying. Currently sitting third in the CONMEBOL table with 25 points, level with Ecuador and well-positioned for automatic qualification, Brazil can afford to experiment without compromising their World Cup participation.
Impact on Neymar’s World Cup Prospects
The public disagreement between player and coach regarding the reasons for his omission could have implications for Neymar’s prospects of making Brazil’s 2026 World Cup squad. While Ancelotti has not definitively ruled out the forward’s future involvement, the emphasis on finding alternatives suggests a possible changing of the guard.
At 33, Neymar faces the natural challenges of an aging player seeking to maintain his place in an evolving national team. His injury history, combined with extended periods away from international football, may have affected Ancelotti’s confidence in his reliability for major tournaments.
However, Neymar’s status as Brazil’s all-time leading scorer and his undeniable talent mean he cannot be written off entirely. His recent return to consistent playing time with Santos and his public commitment to regaining his international place suggest he remains motivated to contribute to Brazil’s World Cup campaign.
The Santos Factor and Domestic Performance
Neymar’s return to Santos represents more than just a career move; it’s a homecoming that has rekindled hopes of a successful conclusion to his international career. The familiar environment and reduced pressure compared to European football have allowed him to focus on rebuilding his fitness and confidence.
His recent performances for Santos, including the full 90-minute display against Fluminense that prompted his post-match comments, demonstrate his growing match fitness. The ability to complete matches consistently after his lengthy injury layoff represents a crucial step in his attempted international comeback.
The domestic setting also provides Ancelotti with easier access to monitor Neymar’s progress, potentially making future call-ups more straightforward if the coach’s assessment of the player changes.
Looking Forward: September Qualifiers and Beyond
Brazil’s upcoming matches against Chile (September 5) and Bolivia (September 10) will provide Ancelotti with opportunities to assess his squad choices and potentially validate his decision to exclude Neymar. The performance of the selected forwards will be scrutinized, particularly in the context of the debate surrounding the veteran’s omission.
The qualifiers also represent a chance for Ancelotti to demonstrate his tactical vision for the national team and how he plans to utilize Brazil’s depth in attack. The success or failure of his experimental approach may influence future squad selections and Neymar’s chances of returning to international duty.
For Neymar, the focus now shifts to maintaining his fitness and form with Santos while hoping that consistent performances might change Ancelotti’s assessment. His respectful acceptance of the coach’s decision, while simultaneously clarifying the circumstances, suggests a mature approach to a disappointing situation.
As Brazil continue their preparation for the 2026 World Cup, the Neymar situation serves as a reminder of the complex dynamics between veteran stars and evolving national team strategies. Whether this represents a temporary setback or a more permanent shift in Brazil’s attacking approach remains to be seen, but the player’s determination to return suggests this story is far from over.
FAQs
Why did Neymar contradict Carlo Ancelotti’s explanation for his omission?
Neymar stated he was excluded for “technical reasons” rather than injury concerns, directly challenging Ancelotti’s claim that a minor physical problem was the main factor behind his absence from the Brazil squad.
How long has Neymar been absent from the Brazil national team?
Neymar’s absence from international duty extends to nearly two years, with his last appearance coming in October 2023 against Uruguay, where he suffered an ACL injury.
What is Brazil’s current position in World Cup qualifying?
Brazil currently sits third in the CONMEBOL qualifying table with 25 points, level with Ecuador and comfortably positioned for automatic qualification to the 2026 World Cup.
Who did Ancelotti select instead of Neymar for the forward positions?
Ancelotti selected eight forwards: Estêvão, Gabriel Martinelli, João Pedro, Kaio Jorge, Luiz Henrique, Matheus Cunha, Raphinha, and Richarlison for the matches against Chile and Bolivia.
Could Neymar still make Brazil’s 2026 World Cup squad?
While his current omission is concerning, Neymar remains Brazil’s all-time leading scorer and has time to prove his fitness and form with Santos before the World Cup squad is finalized.
