Former Brazil goalkeeper, Fernando Velloso, has strongly criticized manager Carlo Ancelotti over the decision to include Neymar in Brazil’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, questioning both the player’s fitness and current competitive level.
Velloso argued that Neymar is no longer capable of performing at the highest level against elite opposition and suggested that he has avoided difficult fixtures during his recent spell at Santos FC.
He also claimed that forward Joao Pedro deserves a place ahead of an unfit Neymar, describing the omission of the Chelsea attacker as a major error in squad selection.
Speaking on Novabrasil em campo, Velloso said leaving out João Pedro for Neymar would be a serious mistake, “I would not call up Neymar for the World Cup. To take Neymar and not take Pedro is an absurdity of those that football allows.
“Pedro is the top scorer of everything, Neymar cannot even play against Recoleta and he is in the Cup.
“Neymar chose the matches. He didn’t play against Palmeiras, Flamengo, Bahia, but he played against Recoleta, Red Bull Bragantino… Only against the weak teams, to try to make a difference. And he didn’t do it.”
Despite the criticism, Neymar remains Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with 79 goals in 128 appearances, having surpassed Pelé’s record.
Since his international debut in 2010, he has also registered 238 assists and played a central role in Brazil’s 2013 Confederations Cup triumph and 2016 Olympic gold medal success.
Widely regarded for his dribbling, creativity, and finishing ability, Neymar has long been one of the key figures of the Seleção.
The 34-year-old recently expressed deep emotion after being named in Brazil’s 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup, admitting he “cried for several hours” upon receiving the news.
“We must fight for another World Cup. I will devote everything to bringing the trophy back to Brazil”.
