France humiliated Brazil (2-1) this Thursday in Foxborough. But another story stole the spotlight: the glaring absence of Neymar, demanded loudly by an entire nation — and even by his own captain.
The scene was surreal. At Gillette Stadium, as Brazil was losing, thousands of Brazilian fans chanted at the top of their lungs, “Olé, olé, olé, Neymar, Neymar!” Not to celebrate a goal. Not to cheer a victory. Just to call for, beg for, demand the return of THEIR star. Absent. Left out. Forgotten by Ancelotti… but never by his people.
Ancelotti Holds His Ground but Leaves the Door Slightly Open
After the final whistle, it was the captain himself who sparked controversy. Casemiro, the voice of the locker room, did not hold back: “We know Neymar’s qualities. He is indispensable to any national team.” The Manchester United midfielder went even further, placing his teammate among football’s absolute elite: “For my generation, he is among the top three: Cristiano, Messi, and Neymar.”
Three legends. Only one missing from the World Cup? Not so fast.
Head coach Carlo Ancelotti once again used the same argument to justify the unthinkable: it’s not about talent, it’s about fitness. “It’s a physical evaluation, not a technical one. With the ball, Neymar is very good. But he is not playing at 100% of his potential,” insisted the former Real Madrid coach. Translation: the door is not completely closed. It is simply… slightly open.
For his part, the Santos player remains patient but determined. After an encouraging end to the season — helping his club secure a miraculous survival — the man with 128 caps and 79 goals for Brazil has not worn the national jersey since October 2023. An eternity. Yet he refuses to give up: “I am disappointed and sad. But I stay focused, day after day. There is still the final call-up.”
The World Cup kicks off on June 11. The countdown has begun. And the Neymar saga is far from over.
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