The Santos forward was left out of Carlo Ancelotti’s latest list for technical reasons, a decision that has sparked debate

Ancelotti says he wants to evaluate other playersBrazil has already booked its ticket to the 2026 World CupThey face Chile and Bolivia to close out qualifiersFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱AFPWHAT HAPPENED?

legend Ronaldinho has spoken out in favor of Neymar’s return to the Brazilian national team after head coach Carlo Ancelotti confirmed he had deliberately left the forward out of his latest squad.

“I believe it’s only a matter of time. It’s Ney – there’s no turning back. He’ll soon be back with us, helping Brazil win the World Cup again,” said the 2002 World Champion.

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Despite calling for Neymar’s comeback, Ronaldinho also offered words of support for Ancelotti, recalling their shared time at AC Milan. 

“He only just arrived. I worked with him in Milan – he’s a successful coach, full of experience. I wish him the best, and I hope he can guide Brazil back to the very top,” he said.

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Neymar has not featured for Brazil since October 2023, when a serious knee injury sidelined him for a year. Although called up by Dorival Júnior in 2025, fitness issues kept him out of action. Ancelotti explained his current omission by stressing that, with Brazil already qualified for the 2026 World Cup, he preferred to test new options. 

“This squad is about seeing players I don’t know as well. Even though I know their technical ability, I want to see others who can contribute to the national team,” the coach said.

AFPWHAT NEXT FOR BRAZIL NATIONAL TEAM?

Brazil will host Chile on Thursday before finishing their CONMEBOL qualifying campaign away to Bolivia next Tuesday.