Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti announced the squad for March 2024 friendlies against France and Croatia, with notable omissions and first-time call-ups. Neymar was omitted from the squad, while Igor Thiago and Rayan received their first call-ups. These matches serve as crucial preparation ahead of the FIFA World Cup, where Brazil will face Morocco, Haiti, and Scotland in the group stage.
Ancelotti explained Neymar's omission directly, stating he was not called up because he is not 100% fit. The manager elaborated that for the final World Cup squad, the discussion would be different, emphasizing that Neymar must work on, play, and show good physical status. This creates a clear distinction between the upcoming friendlies and the tournament selection, leaving open the possibility of Neymar's inclusion later if his condition improves.
Hey Ancelotti, what about me?
Neymar expressed sadness about not being selected for the friendlies, according to reports. This reaction comes amid recent disciplinary issues, as Neymar recently made a sexist comment about a referee, for which he received a one-game ban. Neymar apologized for the comment, saying he meant no harm, with reports indicating he described saying it in a lighthearted way without intention to offend and noting his lack of awareness about the term's connotations.
Political involvement surfaced when Brazil's president Lula said Carlo Ancelotti asked him whether Neymar should be called up, according to reports. Lula described the conversation where Ancelotti sought his opinion, with Lula emphasizing that Neymar must be physically fit and professional, drawing comparisons to Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. This revelation adds a layer of external influence to the selection process, though the final decision remained with the manager.
I'm sad, obviously. It's what I said yesterday. I'll always root for the national team, right? And everything's fine, now it's time to keep working, to keep improving in everything. And if there's an opportunity, to be prepared.
A correction followed the initial squad announcement, as Joao Pedro was mistakenly omitted but later confirmed as selected, according to reports. Joao Pedro described the emotional rollercoaster of initially thinking he was left out before realizing his inclusion, expressing happiness and readiness for the friendlies, highlighting the significance of the call-up during a special moment in his life.
In other squad news, Rodrygo will miss the World Cup due to a serious injury, sources confirm. This loss impacts Brazil's attacking options, forcing adjustments in planning for the tournament.
I was upset, I was a little sad. But that's what I say. Now I'm sad, but it's a done deal. Tomorrow I have to stop being sad. I need to work, train, play, so if an opportunity arises, to be at the World Cup, I'm prepared.
Meanwhile, Carlo Ancelotti is closing in on a new contract with Brazil until the 2030 World Cup, according to reports. This potential extension would provide long-term stability for the national team program under his leadership.
The context of Neymar's fitness remains uncertain, as the specific issues preventing him from being 100% fit are not detailed. Whether he will actually be selected for the final World Cup squad if he regains full fitness is also unknown, depending on his performance and disciplinary record. These unknowns add complexity to his national team future.
I had the chance to speak with Ancelotti, and he asked me: 'Do you think Neymar should be called up?' I said: 'Look, Ancelotti, if he’s physically fit, he’s got the football. What I need to know is whether he actually wants it.' If he does, then he has to be professional. He can look at someone like Cristiano Ronaldo, he can look at Messi, and still go to the national team, because he’s not old yet. But he can’t expect to go just on his name. He has to earn it on the pitch.
Details of Ancelotti's contract extension are similarly unclear, with exact terms and duration yet to be finalized. The implications of this deal could shape Brazil's strategic direction through multiple tournament cycles, influencing player development and tactical approaches.
The March friendlies serve as critical preparation for World Cup squad decisions, offering Ancelotti a chance to evaluate players in competitive settings. How Brazil's performance in these matches will impact the final World Cup roster selection is uncertain, but strong showings could solidify spots for newcomers and fringe players. These games against France and Croatia provide high-level tests that mimic tournament intensity.
I haven't called him up because he's not 100 per cent. But for the final [World Cup] squad, that's another story.
Potential further disciplinary actions against Neymar for his sexist comment beyond the one-game ban are also unknown. The incident has sparked discussions about accountability and evolution in sports culture, with Neymar's apology acknowledging changing norms. Any additional sanctions could affect his availability and standing with the national team.
Public and media response to the squad selections and controversies has been mixed, with attention focused on Neymar's omission and the political involvement. The call-ups of Igor Thiago and Rayan have generated interest in their potential contributions, while Rodrygo's injury has drawn sympathy. The correction regarding Joao Pedro added a note of administrative error to the announcement process.
Neymar can come to the World Cup. If he reaches 100 percent before the World Cup then he can get there. Why I didn't call him to this squad? Because he is not 100 percent. The discussion will be different when it comes to the final squad. Neymar must work on, play and show good physical status.
Ultimately, how Brazil's performance in the friendlies will shape the final World Cup roster remains to be seen, with Ancelotti using these matches to finalize his plans. The manager's contract negotiations and Neymar's fitness and disciplinary situation will continue to influence the team's dynamics as the tournament approaches.
He suffered a serious injury and that prevents him from playing the World Cup. It's a shame. He will have time to play another World Cup.
I said it in a lighthearted way, I meant that he was annoyed and didn't want to talk much... I had no intention of offending any woman. The expression 'chico', I didn't know it was short for that. I should have just said he was stressed and didn't want to talk. I meant no harm at all. Things are changing a lot nowadays. These discussions are part of everyone's evolution.