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Football Insider

Neymar's Disappointment: Battling for World Cup Call-Up

Despite Neymar's recent resurgence at Santos, being left out of the latest Brazil squad has left him feeling disappointed. The clock is ticking for him to prove his fitness before the final World Cup squad announcement. Read on to discover Neymar's battle for a comeback.

Neymar's Disappointment: Battling for World Cup Call-Up

Neymar has expressed his deep disappointment after being left out of Carlo Ancelotti’s latest Brazil squad. Although he recently managed to play the full 90 minutes for Santos, the legendary forward faces a race against time to prove his fitness for the 2026 World Cup.The dream of a romantic international comeback has been delayed for Brazil’s all-time leading goalscorer. Despite a resurgence in form at Santos, where he recently tallied two goals and an assist in two matches, the 34-year-old was the most notable absentee from the Selecao's latest roster.Ancelotti has made it clear that reputation alone will not secure a plane ticket. The Italian tactician is prioritising physical intensity as he shapes the squad, suggesting that the veteran forward still has significant hurdles to clear before he can be trusted on the world stage again."Why didn't I call him up this time? Because he is not 100% and I need players who are 100%," the coach explained. "Neymar must therefore continue to train, to play, to demonstrate his qualities and be in good physical condition."The snub has clearly taken an emotional toll on the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain forward. Speaking at a Kings League Brazil event, Neymar admitted that being overlooked by the national team is a difficult reality to accept, especially as he feels he is trending in the right direction."I'm going to speak here, because I can't keep this quiet," Neymar told Mad House, via Foot Mercato. "Obviously, I'm disappointed and sad not to have been selected. But I remain focused, day after day, training after training, match after match. We are going to reach our goal. There is still the final selection."Neymar is fully aware that his place in Brazil’s future is no longer guaranteed. While he remains desperate to lead his country to a sixth world title, he has publicly accepted that the final decision rests solely with the technical staff."Of course, my desire is to return to the national team, to play in the World Cup, but that doesn't depend on me," said Neymar. "That's up to the coaching staff to decide, and of course, whether I'm there or not, I will always support the national team."Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reportingThe clock is ticking for Neymar to change Ancelotti's mind before the final World Cup squad is announced on May 19. He is currently still struggling to get back to his best and lead Santos this season. Santos currently sits 14th in the Brasileiro Serie A standings after winning just one of their six matches so far. They next face Internacional, and Neymar will be hoping to make a  big impact for his club.Meanwhile, Brazil will face France and Croatia in friendlies without Neymar during their March international camp.

1

Battling Against the Odds

Neymar, the legendary forward, has expressed his deep disappointment after being excluded from Carlo Ancelotti's latest Brazil squad. Despite showcasing good form at Santos recently, the 34-year-old faces a race against time to prove his fitness for the upcoming World Cup.

2

Ancelotti's Approach

Ancelotti has emphasized the importance of physical readiness, indicating that reputation alone will not secure a place in the squad. Neymar needs to demonstrate his qualities and be in optimal physical condition to earn his spot back.

3

'I Can't Keep This Quiet'

In a candid moment at a Kings League Brazil event, Neymar expressed his sadness at missing out on the national team selection. Despite the disappointment, he remains focused and committed to working hard, knowing that a final decision lies with the coaching staff.

4

Battling for a Return

While Neymar desires a return to the national team and the World Cup stage, he acknowledges that the decision is out of his hands. He has vowed to support the team, whether he makes the cut or not, and is determined to leave no stone unturned in his quest for a comeback.

5

Time is Running Out

With the final World Cup squad announcement approaching on May 19, Neymar faces a race against time to change Ancelotti's mind. Presently, he is striving to regain his best form and lead Santos to success in the Brasileiro Serie A before the critical decision is made.

6

Looking Ahead

As Brazil prepares for friendlies against France and Croatia without Neymar, the star forward is focused on making a significant impact for Santos in the upcoming fixtures. His determination to earn a spot in the national team and pursue his World Cup dream remains unwavering.

Published on Mar 17, 2026