The Controversial Call: Ancelotti's Big Gamble
The 2026 World Cup is still on the horizon, but Brazil's squad selection drama has already ignited a firestorm. Carlo Ancelotti's decision to recall veteran superstar Neymar has been branded 'absurd' by former national team goalkeeper Wagner Fernando Velloso, sparking a fierce debate among fans and pundits alike.
Key Points:
- Wagner Fernando Velloso slammed Carlo Ancelotti's choice to include Neymar over Chelsea's in-form Joao Pedro for the 2026 World Cup squad.
- Velloso accused Neymar of cherry-picking matches, avoiding strong opponents and underperforming against weaker ones.
- Despite criticism, Velloso conceded Neymar brings a much-needed 'technical leadership' to a Selecao lacking identity and charisma.
- Neymar himself revealed a deeply emotional reaction to his call-up, crying tears of joy and relief after a challenging journey back to fitness.
Carlo Ancelotti is already feeling the immense pressure of managing Brazil, and his early squad decisions for the 2026 World Cup are under intense scrutiny. The inclusion of Neymar, a player whose recent form and fitness have been questioned, has become a lightning rod for criticism. This move signals Ancelotti's willingness to bet on experience over current domestic prowess.
Velloso Unleashes Fiery Criticism
Wagner Fernando Velloso, a former Brazil international, pulled no punches, calling Ancelotti's choice an 'absurdity.' Speaking on the 'Novabrasil em campo' program, Velloso expressed disbelief that Neymar was chosen over a prolific scorer like Joao Pedro.
'I would not call up Neymar for the World Cup,' Velloso asserted. 'To take Neymar and not take Pedro is an absurdity of those that football allows. Pedro is a top scorer, Neymar cannot even play against Recoleta and he is in the Cup.'
He further accused the Santos star of tactical match selection. '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,' Velloso claimed, highlighting concerns about Neymar's commitment and impact.
The Leadership Vacuum: Why Neymar?
Despite his scathing assessment of Neymar's current output, Velloso did offer a telling insight into Ancelotti's possible rationale. He suggested that the current Brazil squad lacks the commanding personalities and gravitas typically required for a major tournament.
'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 elaborated. 'It's not that I think Neymar is going to make that difference in the Cup. His call-up was good for that, because we have a national team of weak players. There is no leader in the national team. It's not that Neymar is either, but at least he's a technical leader, he already was.' This suggests Ancelotti might be banking on Neymar's veteran presence and past brilliance to inspire a youthful Selecao.
Neymar's Emotional Rollercoaster
While the external noise around his selection rages, Neymar himself has been deeply affected by the call-up. Despite critics questioning his physical state and dedication, the former Barcelona and PSG star has been remarkably candid about the personal sacrifices and emotional toll of his journey back to the national team.
A Path Paved with Tears and Determination
In a recent public appearance, Neymar shared intimate details of the night the squad was announced. 'I went to sleep at 6:30 or 7:00 in the morning, watching all the videos,' he confessed. '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.'
This raw emotional display suggests a player deeply invested in his national team career, aiming to silence doubters and prove his worth on the global stage. It paints a picture of a man motivated by patriotism and a desire for redemption.
World Cup 2026: The Ultimate Test
The debate surrounding Neymar's inclusion is far from over and will undoubtedly intensify as the 2026 World Cup draws nearer. Ancelotti has placed a significant wager on the forward's experience to guide a potentially younger generation of Brazilian talent, despite persistent concerns over his consistency and fitness.
Neymar remains defiant and focused, promising total commitment to the famous yellow jersey. '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,' Neymar concluded. Only time will tell if Ancelotti's gamble pays off, delivering Brazil their elusive sixth World Cup title.
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