Romário defends Neymar and sends a direct message to Ancelotti about the call-up

The Brazilian team is experiencing a moment of controversy with the provisional list announced by Carlo Ancelotti for the friendlies against França and Croácia. The Italian coach chose not to call up Neymar, who plays for Santos, which generated immediate reactions in national football. Romário, world champion in 1994, commented on the case directly and defended the attacker’s presence even without him being in full physical shape. The discussion reflects divisions over the criteria for preparation towards Copa from Mundo 2026.

Romário demands the presence of stars in the team

Romário gave an interview to the newspaper O Dia and spared no criticism of Ancelotti’s decision. The former striker stated that the Brazilian team must bring together the best and most talented players available. Ele highlighted that no coach should give up on an athlete of Neymar’s caliber, regardless of current physical condition.

The 1994 idol reinforced that a star needs to perform regularly. Segundo him, preparation for Copa of Mundo lasts about a month, enough time for physical and technical recovery and rapport with the group. Romário repeated that everyone knows this reality, but it is necessary to insist on the point so that talent is not lost.

Position of Ancelotti on Neymar

Carlo Ancelotti maintains the understanding that only players in full physical condition should be part of the immediate lists. The Italian coach explained that Neymar still does not reach the 100% required for current commitments against França and Croácia. The friendlies are scheduled for March 26th and 31st, at local times in the countries involved.

Even so, Ancelotti left open the possibility of Neymar entering the final list for Copa of Mundo in 2026. The commander highlighted that the attacker needs to continue working, acting and demonstrating qualities in good physical condition in Brasileirão. The final list will be defined in around three months, after the testing period with the provisional team.

• Neymar must prove his form in the Brazilian championship to convince the coaching staff.
• Ancelotti prioritizes athletes with game rhythm and complete recovery at the moment.
• The team faces França and Croácia in important preparatory friendlies.

Division of opinions in Brazilian football

The absence of Neymar in the provisional squad generated heated debates among fans, journalists and former players. Parte of public opinion demands the immediate inclusion of the attacker due to his history and historical importance for the team. Outros support Ancelotti’s view that the team needs physical consistency in the coming weeks.

Romário argued that it is better to count on a star like Neymar, even without him being in 100% form, than to call up less talented alternatives. Ele expressed hope of seeing the player stand out in Brasileirão and secure a place in the final list. The former world champion recalled that the biggest objective remains to win the sixth title.

Neymar reacted to not being called up with an emotional but determined message. The attacker stated that he will not give up and will work to change the scenario until the list is defined for Mundial. Ele remains active for Santos and seeks to regain rhythm after a long period away due to injuries.

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Expectation for Copa of Mundo of 2026

The Brazilian team enters the final phase of preparation under the command of Ancelotti, who is experiencing his first experience in Copas of Mundo as a coach. The team arrives as one of the traditional favorites, but the choice of names for the definitive list takes on special weight given national expectations. Friendlies against França and Croácia serve as a laboratory for tactical and physical adjustments.

Romário reinforced that talent cannot be wasted at a decisive moment. Ele believes that the presence of Neymar would increase the chances of success in the search for a sixth world title. The idol avoided making an absolute judgment on the striker’s current condition, but argued that the team gains more with him on the field.

Ancelotti remains firm in demanding players ready for immediate commitments. The Italian coach closely observes the performance of Neymar in the Santos and evaluates the physical evolution week by week. The technical committee maintains an open dialogue on the topic, but prioritizes clear criteria for full recovery.

The 34-year-old striker has experience in major competitions and knows the weight of wearing yellow. Ele has shown an effort to return to the best level and has the support of a significant part of the Brazilian fans. The final decision on his presence in the Copa of the Mundo of 2026 should be made after the next months of observation in the national championship.

Provisional list details and next steps

The list announced by Ancelotti includes names being tested for duels against França and Croácia. Esses games represent the last evaluation opportunity before the final call for the tournament that will be played in México, Canadá and Estados Unidos. Individual results and performances will influence the coach’s final choices.

Romário insisted that the Brazilian team is the place of the best. Ele sent a clear message to the commander about the need to value consolidated stars. The former player stated that he will continue to support hexa regardless of the presence or absence of Neymar on the final list.

Neymar remains focused on his club and is looking for a sequence of games to regain confidence and form. The fans closely follow each striker’s performance at Brasileirão. The debate over his call-up should continue in the coming days with analyzes from experts and statements from other names in national football.