Soccer superstar Neymar made his first public comments on not getting the call-up to the Brazil national team for the September matches.
The all-time leading goalscorer for Brazil didn’t get his selection to the squad for their last two qualifying matches for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He reacted to the news following his club Santos FC’s 0-0 draw against Fluminense on Sunday evening.
“Not being called up by Brazil? I was left out for technical reasons. It’s the coach’s opinion, and I respect it. Nothing to do with physical condition,” he said, via The Touchline.
Neymar hasn’t appeared in a Brazil game since October 2023, when he tore his ACL in a 2-0 loss to Uruguay. Even after he recovered from the ACL injury, muscle issues have prevented him from returning to the pitch for his country.
The national team has had to play the last 12 qualifiers and the entire 2024 Copa America without his services prior to their latest selection.
Head coach Carlo Ancelotti explained why he didn’t select the veteran star when he named the 23-man squad on Aug. 25. He said that Neymar had a minor injury, but it wasn’t serious as he felt no need to test him.
“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,” Ancelotti said during the press conference.
It’s a reasonable decision as Brazil already booked its place for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, securing it after beating Paraguay 1-0 in June. All they have to do is finish up the remaining qualifiers and prepare for friendlies against possible competition in the global tournament.
It is possible that Neymar can be in the matches for October and beyond as long as he stays healthy. Ancelotti is well aware of the star’s importance to the national team’s chances of success, which will be pivotal to keeping him fit and in top form going into 2026.
The national team currently sits at the third spot of the CONMEBOL standings with 25 points and counting after getting seven wins, five losses and four draws. They are even with Ecuador for the second spot while trailing Argentina by 10 points.
Brazil will prepare for its last two World Cup qualifier matches. They will first host Chile on Sept. 4 at 8:30 p.m. ET before going away to face Bolivia on Sept. 9 at 7:30 p.m. ET.
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