Neymar excluded from Brazil national team: 'What about me, Ancelotti?'

Despite being the greatest striker in Brazilian football history, Neymar has just tasted the bitterness of being dropped from the call-up list by coach Carlo Ancelotti, seriously threatening his final opportunity.

Football fans have witnessed a deeply emotional moment as a video capturing Neymar's immediate reaction upon receiving the news of his exclusion from the national team was posted. Sitting on a massage bed for injury treatment, the 34-year-old forward could not hide his disappointment when his name did not appear in the squad preparing for friendly matches against France and Croatia.

Despite Rodrygo suffering an ACL injury—which was expected to open the door for Neymar's return, Coach Carlo Ancelotti chose a completely different direction. The Italian strategist decided to carry out a personnel revolution by calling up a series of new faces like Igor Thiago, Rayan, or Gabriel Sara. Even veterans like Richarlison shared the fate of being dropped to make room for younger talent.

For Neymar, not being called up this time is a heavy blow to his recovery efforts following the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury he suffered in 2023. Although he has returned to wear the jersey of his childhood club Santos, his form and fitness seem insufficient to convince Ancelotti.

In the video shared on his personal YouTube channel, Neymar opened up with words that made fans heartbroken:

"Hey Ancelotti, what about me? The national team squad has just been announced. We weren't called up. Of course I'm sad. That's what I said yesterday. I will always support the national team and everything is fine."

Despite trying to maintain a professional attitude, Neymar admits he is struggling with negative emotions:

"Now it's time to continue working, continue improving everything, and if there's an opportunity, be ready. I was very sad, you know. I'm still sad now, but for me, it's over. Tomorrow I have to stop being sad. I need to work, train, play, so if there's a chance to participate in the World Cup, I'll be ready."

Neymar currently holds the record of 79 goals in 128 matches, surpassing even the late legend Pelé. However, he understands that time is no longer waiting for him. This superstar confirms that the 2026 World Cup will be his final journey if he gets the chance to participate:

"Of course, this is my last World Cup. I don't know if this is the last year I'll wear the national team jersey, but it's about to end, and we have to accept that. I always tell my friends and family, enjoy it as much as possible. Keep watching the matches because eventually it will end."

Closing the interview, Neymar affirms that his desire to contribute still burns brightly: "I can help the national team. I can help in every way. I know my qualities and strengths on the pitch. Clearly, I want to go to the World Cup. This really moves me."

Will the veteran coach Ancelotti give Neymar one last chance, or is this the end of the great number 10's era in the yellow-green jersey? The answer still lies in Neymar's efforts in the coming months at Santos.