Neymar Left Out of Brazil Squad for France and Croatia Matches

RIO DE JANEIRO — Neymar has been left out of Brazil’s squad for its upcoming friendly matches against France and Croatia this month. The 34-year-old forward is still working to regain full fitness following a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) sustained in October 2023.

Brazil will face France in Boston on March 26 and Croatia in Orlando on March 31, serving as key preparation ahead of the final World Cup roster announcement on May 18. The team will conclude its warm-up schedule with a match against Panama in Rio de Janeiro on May 31.

Ancelotti Cites Fitness Concerns

Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti explained that the decision to exclude Neymar was based on his current physical condition. “This is a squad that takes into account players who are 100% fit,” Ancelotti stated on Monday according to the Associated Press. He also noted injuries to other key players, including Eder Militão, Bruno Guimarães, Estêvão, and Rodrygo.

Neymar expressed his disappointment at not being selected, telling media in São Paulo he was “upset and sad,” but remains focused on regaining his place in the squad for the World Cup as reported by ESPN.

Squad List Highlights

The 26-man squad announced by Ancelotti includes several notable players:

• Goalkeepers: Alisson (Liverpool), Bento (Al-Nassr), Ederson (Fenerbahce)
• Defenders: Alex Sandro (Flamengo), Danilo (Flamengo), Leo Pereira (Flamengo), Bremer (Juventus), Douglas Santos (Zenit St. Petersburg), Gabriel Magalhaes (Arsenal), Roger Ibañez (Al Ahli), Marquinhos (Paris Saint-Germain), Wesley (Roma)
• Midfielders: Andrey Santos (Chelsea), Casemiro (Manchester United), Danilo (Botafogo), Fabinho (Al Ittihad), Gabriel Sara (Galatasaray)
• Forwards: Endrick (Lyon), Joao Pedro (Chelsea), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal), Igor Thiago (Brentford), Luiz Henrique (Zenit St. Petersburg), Matheus Cunha (Manchester United), Raphinha (Barcelona), Rayan (Bournemouth), Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid)

Endrick, who has scored six goals in 12 appearances for Lyon since joining from Real Madrid, has received his first call-up under Ancelotti as FIFA reported. Igor Thiago of Brentford has also earned his first selection.

Ancelotti emphasized that Neymar still has the potential to be included in the final World Cup squad if he can reach 100% physical capability. “Neymar could be at the World Cup. Neymar has to retain working, playing, showcasing his qualities and maintaining good physical condition,” he said according to ESPN.