Romario Warns Ancelotti Over Neymar Exclusion

With just over three months remaining until the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Brazilian football is already aflame with debate—centred on one player: Neymar. The Paris Saint-Germain forward has been omitted from Brazil’s squad for upcoming friendly matches by national coach Carlo Ancelotti, igniting sharp criticism from football legends Romario and Ronaldo Nazario.

Brazil will face France in their first friendly on Thursday night, followed by a second fixture against Croatia on 1 April (Bangladesh time). Neymar, 34, who suffered a severe knee injury in late 2023, has not played for the national team since. Ancelotti has emphasised match fitness and the integration of younger talent in his squad, yet Romario believes the coach is prematurely sidelining one of Brazil’s most potent attacking weapons.

Speaking to Brazilian outlet Jornal O Dia, Romario stressed the importance of valuing talent above all. “A star player must be given the chance to play. The national team is for the best. There is a full month for an athlete to regain fitness. Even if Neymar is not fully fit, having him in the squad is far better than any other player,” Romario stated.

The 1994 World Cup winner further warned, “Talent cannot be wasted. No coach can run a team without it. I hope Neymar proves in the Brazilian Championship that he deserves a spot in the final squad and can compete in the pursuit of a sixth World Cup. Whether he goes or not, my dream of Brazil winning the sixth title does not end.” He concluded with a pointed reminder to Ancelotti: “Mister, keep an eye on Neymar!”

Ronaldo Nazario, ‘The Phenomenon’, echoed Romario’s view, though with measured restraint. The 1994 and 2002 World Cup-winning striker told CNN Brazil, “Neymar, with 79 goals in 128 international appearances, needs no testing. If he is physically fit, I would take him to the World Cup. I hope he remains fit. Ancelotti will take him, I’m sure. He might not play every match, but wherever he goes, he proves himself. Recent injuries are unfortunate, but there is no need for further assessment to include him in the squad.”

Neymar’s pathway to the final squad, to be announced in mid-May, is clear: demonstrate fitness and consistency. This season with Santos, he has already missed five matches but has scored three goals in the three appearances he did make, alongside one assist, showing he remains a potent threat. The message from legends is clear: talent, especially of Neymar’s calibre, cannot be overlooked in Brazil’s World Cup preparations.