On 26/8, Ancelotti finalized the Brazil squad for the matches against Chile and Bolivia. He explained Neymar's absence by citing fitness concerns for the 33-year-old superstar.
However, in an interview after Santos' 0-0 draw with Fluminense on 31/8, Neymar countered, "I wasn't called up for technical reasons, not fitness. But ultimately, the coach makes the decisions".
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Neymar (right) faces his former Brazil and PSG teammate, Thiago Silva, during Santos' 0-0 draw with Fluminense on 31/8. Photo: AP |
Neymar (right) faces his former Brazil and PSG teammate, Thiago Silva, during Santos' 0-0 draw with Fluminense on 31/8. Photo: AP
Neymar's last appearance for Brazil was in a 0-2 loss to Uruguay on 17/10/2023. He suffered a ruptured knee ligament in that match and was sidelined for almost a year. Since his return, Neymar has endured five other lengthy spells on the sidelines with various issues. Last week, the 33-year-old also missed several training sessions with minor pain.
Neymar has missed three Brazil training camps since the beginning of 2025: in March, June, and September. However, he could still be called up for the October and November international breaks.
Brazil's matches against Chile on 5/9 and Bolivia on 10/9 are essentially formalities. Ancelotti's team has already secured World Cup qualification with 25 points after 16 games, seven points clear of seventh-placed Venezuela. The top six teams in the South American qualifiers after 18 games will qualify directly, while the seventh-placed team will enter a playoff against a team from another confederation.
In addition to Neymar, Ancelotti also omitted his former Real Madrid players Vinicius, Rodrygo, and Eder Militao from the September squad.
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Neymar with PSG against Ancelotti's Bayern in the Champions League in 2017. Photo: Icon Sport |
Neymar with PSG against Ancelotti's Bayern in the Champions League in 2017. Photo: Icon Sport
Neymar holds the record for Brazil with 79 goals, two more than Pele's previous record. He helped Brazil reach the World Cup semi-finals in 2014, the quarter-finals in 2018, and the quarter-finals again in 2022.
Since returning to Santos in February, Neymar has played 19 games and scored six goals. His struggles to regain full fitness and form have contributed to Santos' precarious position. They are currently 16th in the Brazilian Championship with 22 points after 21 games, ahead of 17th-placed Victoria only on goal difference. Teams ranked 17th to 20th after 38 rounds will be relegated.
During his prime, Neymar scored 136 goals in 225 games for Santos (2009-2013), 105 goals in 186 games for Barcelona (2013-2017), and 118 goals in 173 games for PSG (2017-2023).
Ancelotti took charge of Brazil in June. The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) hopes the five-time Champions League-winning coach can lead the team to glory at the 2026 World Cup.
Thanh Quy (according to AS)
