Neymar Brazil squad omission shocks fans as fitness concerns keep him out of March friendlies against France and Croatia

Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti has excluded forward Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior from the national squad for upcoming friendlies against France and Croatia due to ongoing fitness concerns. The decision was confirmed during a press briefing at the Brazilian Football Confederation headquarters on Monday.

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Ancelotti emphasised that Neymar is not currently at full physical capacity, stating that only fully fit players can be considered for the preparatory matches ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The coach stressed that once Neymar regains full condition, he remains eligible for future selection.

“Neymar must reach 100 per cent fitness to represent Brazil. He has the talent and experience, but physical readiness is paramount,” Ancelotti said.

The omission marks Neymar’s first absence from the squad since 2023, when injuries and inconsistent play limited his international appearances.

Despite the setback, Neymar continues training with Paris Saint-Germain to recover form and maintain competitiveness for the World Cup.

Ancelotti noted that the selection was made with the team’s collective performance and long-term success in mind.

The March friendlies against European powerhouses France and Croatia are part of Brazil’s strategy to integrate emerging talent while balancing veteran presence.

Observers have described the decision as prudent, given Neymar’s recent history of injuries and the demanding schedule leading up to the tournament.

Fans expressed a mix of disappointment and understanding on social media, praising Ancelotti’s commitment to team welfare and preparation.

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The Brazilian squad will be announced in full on Thursday, with players expected to report for training in Rio de Janeiro later this month. Neymar’s return will depend on continued rehabilitation and performance in domestic fixtures.