Manager Carlo Ancelotti’s final decision was to exclude Neymar from Brazil’s upcoming matches against France and Croatia. The Santos FC player’s absence was controversial, but he is in great form and his numbers speak for themselves.
Neymar’s numbers compared to other called up attackers
Neymar has scored more goals and assists (G/A) in his last eight games than all the attackers included in Carlo Ancelotti’s upcoming international break.
Neymar: 10 G/AJu Pedro: 7 G/Avincius Junior: 5 G/A Endrik: 5 G/Alayan: 5 G/Arafinha: 4 G/Aygor Thiago: 4 G/Amateus Cunha: 3 G/AGabriel Martinelli: 2 G/Alluiz Enrique: 2 G/A
Neymar’s reaction after being excluded
“I say it here because I can’t let this pass. Of course I’m upset and sad that I wasn’t called up. But my concentration is the same: every day, training after training, match after match. We will achieve our goal. There is still one final call-up to the Brazil national team, but the dream continues. That’s it. We are in this together,” Neymar declared.
Ancelotti on exclusion of Neymar
“This is a physical evaluation, not a technical evaluation. He is very good with the ball, but he needs to improve physically. For the coaching staff and for me, he is not performing 100% of his potential. He has to work to reach it,” the coach said.
Ancelotti added: “This is my opinion and the opinion of the entire Brazilian coaching staff who have watched his games and will continue to watch his games.”
Neymar’s absence derailed his hopes for the 2026 World Cup, with Brazil’s friendly set to be one of the last big tests before the final squad for the World Cup is decided. Carlo Ancelotti stressed the need for complete physical preparation, and not just his current form, despite his recent good results with Santos (including 10 G/A in his last eight games for the club).
