Carlo Ancelotti faces immediate criticism over his 2026 World Cup squad decision, with former Brazil goalkeeper Wagner Fernando Velloso attacking the inclusion of veteran forward Neymar at Santos. The selection has ignited debate about whether the 34-year-old merits a spot in the final squad, particularly given his recent form and fitness concerns.
Speaking on the 'Novabrasil em campo' program, Velloso pulled no punches in his assessment of Ancelotti's choices. He argued that Joao Felix of Chelsea should have been preferred over Neymar, describing the decision as "an absurdity of those that football allows." The retired goalkeeper questioned whether Santos' talisman can maintain consistency across a tournament campaign, pointing to selective appearances in domestic matches as evidence of deeper issues with availability.
Selective Appearances Under Scrutiny
Velloso highlighted what he saw as a troubling pattern, noting that Neymar avoided fixtures against major rivals like Palmeiras, Flamengo, and Bahia while appearing in matches against weaker opposition. "Only against the weak teams, to try to make a difference. And he didn't do it," Velloso stated. This selective involvement raises legitimate questions about whether Ancelotti can rely on the forward's fitness and commitment throughout the tournament's demanding schedule.
Yet the former international acknowledged why the Brazil manager might have turned to Neymar despite these concerns. He suggested the current Selecao squad lacks the personality and leadership required at the highest level. "Faced with a national team without identity, without charisma and without a leader, I think Neymar's call-up brought hope for the fans," Velloso explained, offering a backhanded compliment that highlighted the broader structural weakness in Brazilian football at present.
Neymar's Emotional Response to Selection
Despite external criticism, Neymar himself has responded with visible emotion to his World Cup recall. In a public statement, he revealed the profound impact of the squad announcement, describing how he watched videos all night while his family slept. "I couldn't stop crying all night. I was there with my wife and daughters, sleeping in the same bed. They were sleeping, and I was crying watching each video, because it wasn't easy," the forward shared, underscoring the personal journey back to international football.
The forward's resilience stands in contrast to the doubts voiced by analysts and former players. Neymar has vowed to repay Ancelotti's faith, promising to deliver when the tournament begins. "It was difficult, it was hard, but in the end it was worth it. It was worth it to feel this affection, this emotion, this feeling of being Brazilian and representing each one of you in a World Cup," he concluded. As the 2026 tournament draws closer, Neymar will have every opportunity to silence his critics and justify his selection to both Ancelotti and the Brazilian public.
