Neymar’s hopes of returning to the Brazil national team suffered another setback after he was left out of the squad for the March international window.
The former Ballon d’Or contender, ranked third in the 2015 edition of the individual award, had been widely expected to return to the squad.
In four appearances this year, Neymar has recorded two goals and two assists, despite also receiving some criticism.
Some of Brazil’s coaching staff members even attended Santos’ match against Mirassol last week to observe the 34-year-old. However, he was rested for that game to avoid injury concerns.
The following weekend he returned against Corinthians but produced a performance that drew more criticism, and a day later he was absent from Carlo Ancelotti’s squad list for upcoming matches against France and Croatia.
Neymar left out again despite expectation of Brazil recall
The omission is another blow for Neymar, who still has not been called up since Ancelotti became Brazil’s head coach.
During that period the forward has dealt with injuries, but there have also been occasions when he was overlooked despite being available to play.
Monday’s squad announcement was widely viewed as a key opportunity for him to establish his place before the 2026 World Cup.
Rodrygo’s injury was even seen as a possible opening that could increase Neymar’s chances of returning to the squad. Instead, Ancelotti opted for other attacking options.
Given Brazil’s ongoing rebuild and the absence of more international windows before the World Cup, the decision makes Neymar’s path back to the national team increasingly uncertain.
Carlo Ancelotti explains Neymar’s World Cup chances
Despite leaving him out of the latest squad, Ancelotti insisted that Neymar has not been ruled out of Brazil’s World Cup plans.
“Neymar could be at the World Cup too. If he can arrive at the next World Cup at 100%, he can be at the World Cup,” the Italian coach said (via Globo).
“Why isn’t he on this list now? Because he’s not at 100%. We need players who are at 100% right now. But as I said, the discourse is different in the last list. Neymar has to keep working and playing, showing his qualities in good physical condition.”
Now, Neymar has just over three months to rebuild his form with Santos if he wants to force his way back into Brazil’s plans. Their World Cup squad will be announced on 18 May.
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