Brazilian superstar Neymar Jr. has broken his silence after national team coach Carlo Ancelotti omitted him from the squad for September’s 2026 World Cup qualifying fixtures. The 33-year-old forward, now playing for Santos, was left out of Brazil’s list to face Chile on September 5 and Bolivia on September 10, sparking debate across Brazil and beyond.
Ancelotti explained the decision by citing a “minor problem” that Neymar needed to resolve before returning to competitive action. The coach gave no further details, fueling speculation about the player’s fitness and readiness after a career plagued by injuries in recent years.
But Neymar wasted no time in responding. Taking to his Instagram story, the forward posted a photo of himself sweating in the gym alongside a cryptic message: “Success comes from desire, determination, and persistence in achieving a goal. Even if you don’t reach your target, those who seek and overcome obstacles will, at the very least, do admirable things.”
The post has been widely interpreted as Neymar’s way of signaling his commitment to proving critics wrong and reclaiming his place in the national setup. Despite ongoing concerns about his durability, he remains Brazil’s all-time joint-top scorer alongside Pelé, with 77 international goals.
Brazil, who have already sealed their spot at the 2026 World Cup, are using the qualifiers to fine-tune Ancelotti’s squad. With younger stars like Vinícius Júnior, Rodrygo, and Endrick stepping into the spotlight, Neymar’s absence has reignited debate over whether his era with the Seleção is nearing its end.
Fans remain divided. While some argue that the Santos forward’s experience and leadership are invaluable for the World Cup, others believe the team must now evolve beyond his shadow. Local media in Brazil have described the decision as “the clearest sign yet” that Ancelotti is preparing for a post-Neymar generation.
For now, Neymar’s social media statement has kept his name firmly in the headlines, ensuring that even in absence, the forward remains central to the story of Brazilian football. Whether he returns for Brazil’s final pre-World Cup friendlies could determine if he bows out quietly—or fights for one last dance on the world stage.
