TNeymar received disappointing news that week when coach Carlo Ancelotti announced that he had been left out of the Brazilian national team. Ancelotti has made it clear that the former Barcelona star will not be called up unless he is 100% fit.
This quickly became one of the biggest soccer news stories around the world and now ‘Ney’ has received unexpected support from one of Europe’s most in-form players.
Rafinha reacts to Neymar’s absence from Brazil
After Barcelona beat Newcastle United 7-2 to book their place in the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League, Rafinha was asked about Neymar’s omission from the Brazil squad.
In an interview with TNT after the match, Rafinha said: “I hope to see him (Neymar at the 2026 World Cup). He is an extraordinary player. No one doubts his quality on the field, his abilities. He can decide the matches, even in the World Cup. As a fan, I would like to see Neymar on and off the pitch again in the Brazil shirt and playing with us in the World Cup.”
Neymar has not played for the Brazilian national team since 2023, when he suffered a serious injury in a 2026 CONMEBOL World Cup qualifier against Uruguay. Continued injury problems have kept him out of the squad and manager Ancelotti has not included him in any of his squad since taking over in May 2025.
Many fans believe that the Brazilian superstar is still eligible for the team, but it remains to be seen whether he will be included in the final squad for his last FIFA World Cup.
