Carlo Ancelotti’s decision to recall Neymar Jr. to the Brazilian national team has once again come under scrutiny. Brazilian media outlets have linked the move to the Seleção’s disappointing exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, following a 2-1 defeat to Norway in the Round of 16 at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey, United States, on Monday, July 6, 2026.
Despite the criticism, Neymar continued to receive overwhelming support from Brazilian fans. The attacking midfielder was greeted with loud cheers from tens of thousands of spectators when he entered the match as a substitute against Norway.
Neymar came on in the 67th minute, replacing Gabriel Martinelli, while Danilo Santos replaced Rayan. It marked Neymar’s second appearance at the 2026 World Cup after also coming off the bench in Brazil’s victory over Scotland.
Throughout the match against Norway, the former Barcelona star was applauded and cheered every time he touched the ball, reflecting the unwavering support he still enjoys despite growing doubts surrounding his place in the squad.
Neymar even managed to score Brazil’s only goal, converting a penalty deep into stoppage time. However, the goal was not enough to send the Seleção into the quarter-finals.
Unable to hold back his emotions after the final whistle, Neymar broke down in tears. It was a heartbreaking conclusion to his World Cup campaign in Brazil’s iconic yellow jersey.
With visible emotion, Neymar declared that his international career with Brazil had “come to an end” following the defeat.
“I gave everything, I gave everything. Now it’s over. I started here, and I finished here,” Neymar said.
When Ancelotti announced Brazil’s World Cup squad, several observers argued that Chelsea forward João Pedro deserved a place ahead of Neymar.
However, Ancelotti stood by his decision to select the veteran star, who reportedly agreed to give up the special privileges he had previously enjoyed within the national team as part of the coach’s conditions.
The Italian manager also believed Neymar still possessed the experience, leadership, and influence needed within the Brazilian squad—a view many considered understandable given his remarkable achievements for the national team.
Neymar made his senior debut for Brazil at the very same stadium in August 2010, scoring in a 2-0 friendly victory over the United States.
He later became Brazil’s all-time leading goalscorer with 80 international goals, while his 130 appearances rank him second on the country’s all-time appearance list, behind Cafu, who earned 142 caps.
Neymar had been absent from the national team since 2023 because of injury problems before earning a recall for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The tournament marked his fourth World Cup appearance, following previous campaigns in 2014, 2018, and 2022.***
