SAO PAULO — Neymar’s challenging journey toward the forthcoming World Cup became more complicated following his lackluster display for Santos in a 1-1 home draw against rivals Corinthians during a Brazilian league match on Sunday.
This match marked Neymar’s final appearance before Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti reveals his roster for two important friendlies on Monday. After the game, he expressed that despite his desire to join the national team, the ultimate decision was beyond his control.
“I hope to return to the national team and participate in the World Cup, but that’s not my decision,” a disheartened Neymar stated to reporters after the match in Santos. “Regardless of my presence, I will always support Brazil.”
Neymar holds the record as Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with 79 goals.
The upcoming matches against France and Croatia in the United States will serve as the final games before Ancelotti announces his definitive squad in May for the World Cup, scheduled from June 11 to July 19.
The 34-year-old Neymar’s performance against Corinthians followed a match that the Brazil coach attended, which he missed.
Memphis Depay scored first for Corinthians in the 19th minute at the Vila Belmiro Stadium, with Gabriel Barbosa equalizing just four minutes later.
Neymar’s most significant opportunity in the match came in the second half with a header that just went wide. The Santos forward faced difficulties with dribbling and did not manage a shot on target.
Two representatives from Brazil’s soccer confederation were present at the match in Santos, as confirmed by the club.
Ancelotti has indicated that he will only select players who are fully fit for the tournament in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. He has also mentioned that some players may not require testing, which leaves Neymar with a glimmer of hope for inclusion in the final squad even if he is not chosen for the upcoming friendlies.
Neymar sustained an ACL injury in October 2023 and underwent another knee surgery in December. He has participated in fewer than 10 matches for Santos this year, yet he has also demonstrated flashes of his potential contributions to Brazil.
In February, he entered the top 10 of Santos club’s all-time leading scorers after netting two goals in a 2-1 victory over Vasco da Gama in the Brazilian league.
Neymar’s supporters are concerned that his choice to miss a match against Mirassol on Tuesday, in another Brazilian league fixture, could jeopardize his participation in a fourth consecutive World Cup.
Local media reports indicated that Ancelotti was not made aware of the striker’s absence until a few hours prior to the match at the 19,000-capacity José Maria de Campos Maia Stadium.
Information from The Associated Press was utilized in this report.
