Neymar became the center of attention even before the match started.

Neymar hasn't played a single minute in the 2026 World Cup yet, but he's become the focus of debate, while coach Carlo Ancelotti and the Brazilian dressing room continue to publicly defend the number 10.

Neymar hasn't played in the 2026 World Cup yet, but he's already become the focus of debate in Brazil.

Neymar hasn't played in the 2026 World Cup yet, but his name has already been frequently mentioned in discussions surrounding the Brazilian national team.

A debate that transcends football.

Injuries, coach Carlo Ancelotti's selection decisions, and the special status of the number 10 have made Neymar one of the most talked-about figures in the tournament. The story is no longer purely about football. It has divided Brazilian public opinion into two distinct camps: one side believes he shouldn't be on the list, while the other still believes Neymar is a crucial element for the Seleção's ambitions.

The pressure on Neymar intensified when he missed the first two matches due to a muscle injury. For many, the issue lay in his match fitness, physical condition, and injury history. They argued that Neymar's place could have gone to a fitter player who played more regularly.

The criticism didn't just come from fans. Brazilian President Lula da Silva also drew attention when he mentioned Neymar at an event in Belo Horizonte. When a young child replied that Neymar was the best player in the Brazilian national team, Lula sarcastically remarked that Neymar wasn't even playing and was the first player on the team to "train at home."

That statement ignited an already simmering debate. Jose Boto, Flamengo's sporting director, also questioned the decision to call up Neymar. He couldn't understand why a player who had only played two games in two months was selected for the national team, while Pedro, who scored 15 goals in the Brazilian league, was absent.

The Brazilian dressing room views Neymar as a crucial element in their World Cup campaign.

Neymar therefore entered a very strange World Cup. He hadn't had the chance to prove himself on the field, but he had to live under the pressure of judgment. Everything around him was scrutinized: from his physical condition, playing time, role in the team, to whether he still deserved the number 10 shirt.

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It's noteworthy that Neymar didn't retaliate. He didn't argue with the Brazilian president. Nor did he publicly react to suggestions that he shouldn't be at the World Cup. Neymar simply focused on training, recovering, and waiting for his return.

The dressing room is on the side of number 10.

While Neymar is surrounded by criticism outside the team, the situation within the Brazilian national team is quite different.

Ancelotti has always been Neymar's strongest defender. The Italian coach insists that his team selection is based on professional criteria. He maintained his faith in Neymar even when the player's injury was more serious than initially expected.

Before the tournament, Ancelotti had said Neymar had two months to prove he was good enough for the World Cup. When the squad was announced, his message remained unchanged: Brazil believed Neymar was an important player with just as much responsibility as the other 25 members.

Even if Neymar is injured, Ancelotti isn't considering a replacement. The coach insists Brazil has no intention of leaving anyone out of the squad. Before the match against Scotland, he continued to give positive news: Neymar will train separately, then return to training with the team and be ready to play.

Neymar is focusing on his recovery ahead of his chance to return to playing for the Brazilian national team.

The support for Neymar doesn't just come from the coach. The Brazilian dressing room is also on his side.

During the training session open to the media, images of Vinicius walking alongside Neymar, joking and sharing the joy of his senior's return, conveyed a clear message. Vinicius called Neymar an idol of Brazilian players. He recounted that Neymar used to be upset whenever he wasn't called up by Ancelotti.

Lucas Paqueta also affirmed that the whole team is happy about Neymar's return and hopes he will soon be back on the field to help Brazil. According to Paqueta, Neymar remains a very important player for the national team. This feeling is shared by influential figures in the dressing room such as Casemiro, Alisson, and Danilo.

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That's the biggest paradox surrounding Neymar at this World Cup. On the outside, he's under scrutiny. On the inside, Neymar is protected. Public opinion questions the presence of the number 10, but the Brazilian team sees him as a crucial part of their plans.

Neymar has been accustomed to controversy throughout his career. He's been scrutinized for his playing style, injuries, club choices, and even his political views. In Brazil, few players have generated as much division as he has. Neymar has never enjoyed the absolute consensus that many other icons of Brazilian football have.

But the World Cup doesn't wait forever. After all the debate, Neymar needs an answer on the pitch. If he returns and makes a difference, Ancelotti will have reason to defend his choice. Otherwise, the criticism surrounding the number 10 will only intensify.

For Neymar, his debut is not just an opportunity to play. It's also a moment for him to step out of his role as a talked-about figure and rewrite his own story at the 2026 World Cup.

Source: https://znews.vn/neymar-chua-da-da-thanh-tam-bao-post1662134.html