Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti has shut down any discussion about Neymar following the friendly defeat to France, insisting he is “happy” with the players he currently has at his disposal and that the focus should be solely on them.
Neymar was again left out by Ancelotti for this month’s matches, the last before the announcement of the final list for the World Cup in the summer.
The former Real Madrid coach has been consistent in his reasoning for the absence of Brazil’s top scorer in history, namely physical condition.
“Neymar is not at 100% and for that reason he is not on the list. If he manages to be in full physical shape, then he could be part of it,” Ancelotti explained when publishing the list.
The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain striker, now 34, has been dealing with a minor muscle problem and was not present for the friendly against France. However, his name was heard by fans during the match.
During Didier Deschamps’ team’s 2-1 victory, fans in the stadium started chanting Neymar’s name, which the Italian coach didn’t like.
“We have to talk about those who were here, who played, who gave their best, who committed and worked hard. I’m pleased.”
Beyond the issue of Neymar’s form, Ancelotti stressed that the competition in Brazil’s attack is very strong. He again used a flexible attacking four against France, activating Gabriel Martinelli, Vinicius Junior, Matheus Cunha and Raphinha from the first minute.
In addition to these big names, Chelsea striker Joao Pedro is also fighting for a place in the center of attack. Meanwhile, there was no place for his teammate Estevao in the March list, mainly because he has just returned from injury. Unlike Neymar, the 18-year-old has shown that he can return to full physical fitness.
Interestingly, Ancelotti has also called up a number of players from less elite clubs. Brentford’s Igor Thiago and Bournemouth’s Rayan received their first call-ups to the national team this month, with Thiago making his debut as a substitute against France.
Brazil’s strikers list for March 2026:
Endrick (Lyon)
Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal)
Igor Thiago (Brentford)
Luiz Henrique (Zenit)
Matheus Cunha (Manchester United)
Raphinha (Barcelona)
Ryan (Bournemouth)
Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid)
Joao Pedro (Chelsea).
