Brazil has no more room for Neymar's privileges

Carlo Ancelotti decided to remove Neymar - a great symbol of Brazilian football for more than a decade - from the Brazilian squad.

The reason? Carlo Ancelotti decided to leave Neymar, a big icon of Brazilian football for more than a decade, out of the squad. Although the Italian coach himself affirmed that this was only a “professional decision”, this story has opened up many layers of meaning about how he is building the Selecão team in its new journey.

When Neymar is no longer "invulnerable"

Neymar returned to Santos with a marked improvement in form, full of expectations for a return to the national team after a two-year absence. His exclusion immediately raised doubts among the public: was it due to a recurrence of injury? But the 33-year-old striker himself quelled all speculation: “This is a professional decision, not related to fitness. It is the coach's decision.”

Ancelotti later confirmed: “Nobody doubts Neymar’s technique. But we have to assess the physical condition of every player, not just him. The competition is huge, there are 70 names capable of being in the team.”

The message is clear: Neymar, despite his talent and experience, is no longer a “take-it-for-granted” player.

It is worth noting that Ancelotti has repeatedly called Neymar “a key player for the 2026 World Cup”. That is, he has not ruled the striker out of his long-term plans. But at the moment, he is firmly sticking to the principle: only those who meet the criteria will be selected.

“I need players who are 100% fit, integrated well and play for the team, not just for themselves. Some players may have less technical quality, but they adapt better and bring more efficiency to the team,” Ancelotti emphasized.

This is the Ancelotti identity. Throughout his career, he has never built a team based on a single star. At Milan, Chelsea, Real Madrid or now Brazil, the 65-year-old coach has always put the team first.

Ancelotti is very tough.

It should be noted that Neymar is not the only star left out. Real Madrid duo Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo are also absent. The reason is said to be to avoid overload, as Brazil has already secured a place at the World Cup. For Ancelotti, this is a golden opportunity to experiment and give chances to faces like Raphinha, Gabriel Martinelli, João Pedro, Kaio Jorge, Matheus Cunha, Luiz Henrique, Estevão or Richarlison.

So, this decision is both professional and strategic. Neymar is not “eliminated” permanently, but he is forced to prove that he is physically fit and ready to compete fairly like everyone else.

Neymar was once the “number 1 player” of the Selecão, shouldering the responsibility of continuing the tradition of Pelé, Romario, Ronaldo. But his career was constantly interrupted by injuries and controversial lifestyle. Two years away from the team has made this star image no longer inviolable.

Ancelotti, known for his calm and pragmatic nature, did not hesitate to send out a cold message: name and legacy are not enough to guarantee a starting position. What is more important is form and adaptation. With Brazil now, he has at his disposal a rich generation of young talent, from Vinicius, Rodrygo to Martinelli, Estevão. Neymar is no longer “irreplaceable”.

The transformation of Selecão

The decision to leave out Neymar also reflects a shift in Brazil’s approach to the 2026 World Cup. After several disappointing tournaments due to their reliance on individuals, the Selecão under Ancelotti are aiming for a more balanced model. He wants the team to not be dependent on a single superstar, but to function smoothly based on collective strength and tactical flexibility.

In that philosophy, Neymar can still play an important role - but as a cog in the machine, not the "center of the universe". If he accepts the change, he still has the opportunity to shine again at the World Cup in the US, Mexico and Canada.

Neymar is no longer "untouchable".

Before the match against Chile, Carlo said briefly but clearly: “We are evaluating everyone, not just Neymar.” It was a message to every Brazilian player, that the yellow-green shirt is no longer reserved for anyone. To wear the Selecão shirt, everyone must be up to standard – in form, fitness and spirit.

This toughness may be controversial, but it is necessary. Brazil has suffered too many disappointments because of placing absolute trust in one individual. Ancelotti, with his experience in coaching many big clubs, understands that only a united team can conquer glory.

Neymar was once the pride of Brazilian football, but under Ancelotti, he has had to accept a different reality: no more privileges. The story is not about eliminating or “beheading” the best players, but about the way the Italian coach imposes strategic discipline: everyone has to prove their worth.

For Brazil, this is a positive sign: the Selecão are entering a rebuilding phase, where collective power is placed above all the stars. And for Neymar, this is a wake-up call that the path to the 2026 World Cup will only be open if he is willing to change and fight like any other player.

Source: https://znews.vn/brazil-khong-con-cho-cho-dac-quyen-cua-neymar-post1582413.html