Ancelotti Slams Door on Neymar for Brazil Friendlies – But World Cup Hopes Flicker On

Picture this: Neymar, the Brazilian wizard who's been dazzling at boyhood club Santos after a nasty knee injury, bags a couple of goals and assists in his last four games. He's clocked 315 minutes of magic, looking every bit the icon at 34. Yet, Carlo Ancelotti, the gaffer who's taken the reins of the Seleção, gives him the cold shoulder for the upcoming friendlies against France and Croatia. Ouch.

It's not the first time, either. Since Ancelotti stepped in back in May, Ney's been overlooked at every turn. With the 2026 World Cup just three months away – kicking off across the US, Canada and Mexico – Brazil's record goalscorer is staring down a ticking clock. Time to grab a pint and unpack this snub, lads.

Ney's Santos Revival Meets Ancelotti's Brick Wall

Neymar's comeback has been pure box office. Back from that ACL tear in December 2023, he's been bossing it for Santos, even if he sat out their recent 2-2 draw with Mirassol – a match Don Carlo himself popped along to watch. Two goals, two assists. That's the sort of form that screams 'pick me!' But nope.

Ancelotti didn't mince words on Monday. "Neymar is not at 100% and therefore he is not on the list," the Italian maestro declared. It's a gut punch for a lad who hasn't pulled on the yellow shirt since his injury nightmare. Still, there's a sliver of hope: "If he can be at 100% physically, he can be there. Neymar could be at the World Cup. He has to keep working, playing, and staying sharp."

It's like your mate saying, 'You're class, but sort your fitness first.' Door's not bolted shut, but it's got one of those squeaky hinges that might slam if Ney doesn't hit top gear pronto.

The Squad: Youth, Grit, and Vinícius Spark

So who's making the cut for these tests against the French flair merchants and Croatian warriors? Ancelotti's gone for a blend of experience and hungry pups. Let's break it down, keeper to forward.

Goalkeepers

• Alisson (Liverpool) – The undisputed No.1, gloves like glue.

• Bento (Al Nassr)

• Éderson (Fenerbahce)

Defenders

A rock-solid backline led by Gabriel Magalhães (Arsenal):

• Alex Sandro (Flamengo)

• Bremer (Juventus)

• Danilo (Flamengo)

• Douglas Santos (Zenit)

• Gabriel Magalhães (Arsenal)

• Ibañez (Al-Ahly)

• Léo Pereira (Flamengo)

• Marquinhos (PSG)

• Wesley (Roma)

Midfielders

Casemiro's resurgence at Man United adds steel:

• Andrey Santos (Chelsea)

• Casemiro (Manchester United)

• Danilo (Botafogo)

• Fabinho (Al-Ittihad)

• Gabriel Sara (Galatasaray)

Forwards

Vinícius Júnior (Real Madrid) headlines a lethal attack:

• Endrick (Lyon)

• Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal)

• Igor Thiago (Brentford)

• Luiz Henrique (Zenit)

• Matheus Cunha (Manchester United)

• Raphinha (Barcelona)

• Rayan (Bournemouth)

• Vinícius Júnior (Real Madrid)

• João Pedro (Chelsea)

No room for nostalgia here – it's a squad built for the future, with Vini Jr and the young guns ready to rumble.

World Cup Clock Ticking for Neymar's Last Dance?

For Neymar, this feels like a 'now or never' moment. At 34, with the World Cup on home turf (sort of), he's dreaming of one final hurrah. Ancelotti's candour is brutal but fair – fitness is king in international footy, especially with Brazil's depth.

Original reporting by Stats Perform at OneFootball highlights the stakes. Will Ney ramp it up at Santos and force his way in? Or is this the end of an era? Grab your scarf, crack open another cold one, and watch this space. Brazil's road to 2026 just got spicier.