After Carlo Ancelotti left Neymar out of Brazil’s squad for the upcoming international friendlies, the news quickly spread across the football world.
The Italian coach made it clear he would not call up the former FC Barcelona star unless he was “100 percent fit,” but one of the world’s top players has come out in support of Neymar.
After scoring two goals and providing two assists in Barcelona’s 7–2 victory over Newcastle United to secure a place in the Champions League quarterfinals, 29-year-old Raphinha was asked about his compatriot’s absence from the squad list.
“I hope to see him at the World Cup. He is an extraordinary player—no one doubts his quality on the pitch or what he can do. He can decide a match and even a World Cup.”
“As a teammate and as a fan, I hope to see Neymar again wearing the national team jersey, playing with us at the World Cup,” Raphinha told TNT Sports after the match.
A long absence and an uncertain future
Neymar has not played for the Brazilian national team since 2023, when he suffered a serious injury against Uruguay national football team in the South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup.
Ongoing injury problems have kept him away from the Seleção, and Ancelotti has not included him in any squad since taking charge of the team in May 2025.
Many fans believe the Brazilian superstar still deserves a place in the squad, but it remains to be seen whether he will be included in the final list for what could be the last World Cup of his career.
