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Football
Christophe Dugarry has criticized Neymar's return to Brazil's national team for the 2026 World Cup, describing it as a "freak show" and questioning the team's current standards.
The announcement of Neymar's inclusion in Brazil's squad for the 2026 World Cup has sparked significant controversy. After being absent from the national team for three years, the 34-year-old forward's comeback has drawn mixed reactions from fans and experts alike.
Carlo Ancelotti's decision to recall Neymar has been met with skepticism, particularly from Christophe Dugarry, the 1998 World Cup winner with France. Dugarry criticized the move during an interview on RMC Sport, labeling the situation surrounding Neymar's return as a "freak show." He expressed concerns about the authenticity of the celebrations welcoming Neymar back and suggested that the player himself is contributing to this perception.
"These celebrations aren't genuine. I sense a deep mockery behind Neymar's selection. I'm starting to hear things like, 'He'll be injured before the tournament even starts,' or 'He's gained weight'. I think a lot of people are turning him into a bit of a freak show. It bothers me. Neymar is contributing to that," Dugarry said.
Beyond Neymar's individual situation, Dugarry raised broader questions about the current state of Brazilian football. He argued that relying on a player who is past his prime reflects a decline in the quality and vision within the national team setup.
"I don't think it's a good idea. Selecting Neymar demonstrates how low Brazil has fallen. To think that Neymar is just another player is a delusion. I'm not convinced that this boy can still contribute anything to this team," he added.
Brazil's preparations for the 2026 World Cup are underway, with the squad scheduled to gather at Granja Comary on May 27. The team will face Panama in a friendly match at the Maracana on May 31 before traveling to North America. In the tournament, Brazil will compete in Group C against Morocco, Haiti, and Scotland.
