Carlo Ancelotti slammed over ‘absurd’ Neymar World Cup call-up

Wagner Fernando Velloso, a former goalkeeper for Brazil, has openly criticized the decision to include Neymar in Brazil's 2026 World Cup squad, describing the choice as "absurd." Velloso expressed his surprise that Neymar was selected over Chelsea's Joao Pedro, who leads in scoring statistics.

During an appearance on the 'Novabrasil em campo' program, Velloso stated, “I would not call up Neymar for the World Cup. To take Neymar and not take Pedro is an absurdity of those that football allows. Pedro is the top scorer of everything, Neymar cannot even play against Recoleta and he is in the Cup.”

Velloso also accused Neymar of selectively managing his participation in matches, noting, “Neymar chose the matches. He didn’t play against Palmeiras, Flamengo, Bahia, but he played against Recoleta, Red Bull Bragantino... Only against the weak teams, to try to make a difference. And he didn't do it.”

Leadership Issues in Brazil's National Team

Despite his criticism of Neymar's recent performances, Velloso suggested that coach Carlo Ancelotti might have selected the veteran forward due to a lack of leadership within the current Brazil squad. He remarked, “Faced with a national team without identity, without charisma and without a leader, I think Neymar's call-up brought hope for the fans.”

Velloso clarified that although Neymar may not be the ideal leader, “at least he's a technical leader, he already was,” highlighting the absence of strong personalities in the team as a possible reason for the call-up.

Neymar Shares Emotional Response to Selection

In contrast to the criticism, Neymar has expressed a deeply emotional reaction to being named in the squad. The forward revealed the personal significance of the moment during a recent public statement, sharing that he stayed awake until early morning watching videos related to the announcement.

He said, “I went to sleep at 6:30 or 7:00 in the morning, watching all the videos. I couldn't stop crying all night. I was there with my wife and daughters, sleeping in the same bed. They were sleeping, and I was crying watching each video, because it wasn't easy.”

Looking Ahead to the 2026 World Cup

The controversy over Neymar's inclusion is expected to continue as the tournament nears. Coach Ancelotti appears to be relying on Neymar's experience to support the younger players on the squad, despite ongoing concerns about the forward's fitness and consistency.

Neymar remains determined and committed, stating, “It was difficult, it was hard, but in the end it was worth it. It was worth it to feel this affection, this emotion, this feeling of being Brazilian and representing each one of you in a World Cup.”