Carlo Ancelotti has clarified that Neymar’s omission from Brazil’s squad for the September internationals is a ‘technical choice,’ not due to injury. Neymar, recovering from a knee injury sustained in October 2023, also missed the June squad. Ancelotti emphasized that physical condition is a key factor in his selections, alongside talent. Neymar remains Brazil’s top scorer with 79 goals. Brazil has qualified for the 2026 World Cup and will face Chile and Bolivia in qualifiers.
Carlo Ancelotti has clarified his decision to exclude Neymar from Brazil's squad for the crucial September international fixtures, labeling it a "technical choice" rather than one dictated by injury.
Neymar, the iconic Brazilian forward, has been absent from the national team since October 2023, when he sustained a severe knee ligament injury that sidelined him for an extended period. His absence continued into Ancelotti's first squad selection in June, primarily due to his ongoing recovery from the injury. While it was initially presumed that Neymar's omission from the upcoming World Cup qualifiers was linked to a minor muscle injury picked up in August while representing Santos, Ancelotti has dispelled those assumptions.
Notably, Ancelotti also opted to leave out other prominent Brazilian talents, including Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo, from his plans for this month's international window. This decision has further fueled speculation and debate among fans and pundits alike. Ancelotti, however, emphasized that injury concerns were not the overriding factor in these decisions.
"It’s a technical choice, not one dictated by physical problems,” Ancelotti stated, aiming to set the record straight and provide clarity on the matter. He elaborated, “It was a technical decision based on several factors. Nobody can deny Neymar’s talent, but we evaluate the physical condition importantly, his and the others’.” This statement underscores Ancelotti's emphasis on a holistic assessment of players, taking into account not only their inherent skill but also their current physical state and readiness to contribute effectively to the team.
Neymar's illustrious career with the Brazilian national team speaks for itself. He currently holds the title of Brazil's all-time top scorer with an impressive tally of 79 goals. Furthermore, he stands second in the list of most capped players for his nation, only trailing behind the legendary Cafu, with 128 appearances.
Despite the current setback, the 33-year-old Neymar has previously expressed his unwavering determination to secure a place in the squad for the highly anticipated World Cup, scheduled to take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico next year. However, Ancelotti has acknowledged the fierce competition for spots within the national team, highlighting the depth of talent available for selection.
“There is huge competition,” Ancelotti noted, emphasizing the challenge that lies ahead for all players vying for a place in the squad. “We have at least 70 players who are pushing for the Selecao.” This statement underscores the abundance of options available to Ancelotti as he seeks to assemble the strongest possible team for the upcoming challenges.
“I already have a consolidated group in mind for the World Cup. The biggest mistake would be to get the list of 26 wrong. The quality is there, but the strength of the collective group is what counts,” Ancelotti affirmed, highlighting the importance of team cohesion and unity in achieving success on the international stage.
The weight of expectations on the Brazilian national team is immense, particularly given their prolonged wait for World Cup glory. “It has been 24 years since Brazil last won the World Cup. The time has come. The responsibility is enormous, but the motivation of an entire country can also make a big difference.”
Brazil has already secured their qualification for the 2026 World Cup, allowing them to focus on fine-tuning their squad and strategies in the upcoming qualifiers. They are set to face Chile and Bolivia in their final qualifying matches on Thursday and Tuesday, respectively, providing valuable opportunities to assess players and refine their approach.
CONVOCADOS!
— brasil (@CBF_Futebol) August 25, 2025