Carlo Ancelotti Delivers Brutal Blow to Neymar's Brazil Dreams in Shocking Squad Snub

Carlo Ancelotti excluded Neymar Jr. from his Brazil national team squad for November and raised significant questions about the player's prospects of securing a spot in La Seleçao's 2026 FIFA World Cup team.

The Italian coach announced a 26-man squad that will represent Brazil in forthcoming friendly matches against Senegal and Tunisia, again choosing not to include Neymar, continuing the pattern since he assumed the managerial role.

His choice to overlook La Seleçao's record goalscorer led journalists to question the decision. Ancelotti provided a starkly candid evaluation of the circumstances.

"I haven't spoken with Neymar," Ancelotti disclosed. "We'll observe when he can fully recover and return to regular competition.

"I won't select a player who lacks the intensity needed for an entire World Cup campaign, absolutely not. We require players who are in peak physical condition."

Neymar featured for 29 minutes with Santos during the weekend in his initial outing since September 14. Physical setbacks have become a recurring theme for the ex-Barcelona player, who has participated in fewer than 25 matches across the last three seasons.

Complete Brazil National Team November Squad

Goalkeepers

Defenders

Midfielders

Forwards

Neymar Expected to Prolong Santos Deal

Neymar rejoined his childhood club Santos on a twelve-month deal at the beginning of 2025. Club president Marcelo Teixeira anticipates that an arrangement will be finalized to prolong Neymar's tenure with Santos.

"If we establish mutual understanding, his continuation will be secured," Teixeira stated, via ESPN. "This depends on Santos and Neymar, who share a solid and positive foundation of trust, finding common ground. I'm confident we will address this matter at the appropriate moment."

A potential reunion with former Barcelona colleagues Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez at Inter Miami has generated interest in recent weeks. Nevertheless, no definitive connections have emerged thus far, and remaining at Santos while competing in South America's premier league could enhance Neymar's World Cup aspirations.

"Neymar's objective is the 2026 World Cup," Teixeira emphasized.

Irrespective of Neymar's destination over the coming seven months, regaining optimal fitness and recapturing his best form remains crucial if there's any possibility of witnessing him compete in his fourth FIFA World Cup.