Article by Daniel Scorpie – Published on Tuesday, 24 March 2026 19:43 / Updated on Tuesday, 24 March 2026 19:43
Carlo Ancelotti was attacked by Romario for the decision not to call Neymar to the squad. “The selection is for the best and the most talented,” said the former 1994 world champion, arguing that a player like the FC Santos forward should be called up even if he is not at his best.
Days after Carlo Ancelotti announced the list of players called up for friendlies against France (March 26) and Croatia (April 1), the Italian was the target of criticism in Brazil.
Neymar was left out of the Brazil squad by Carlo Ancelotti for the friendly matches on March 26 and April 1 / Photo: X
The controversy surrounding Neymar's exclusion from the national team grew, and Romario openly attacked coach Carlo Ancelotti. “The selection is for the best and the most talented,” said the former 1994 WC title winner.
The former Real Madrid technician, however, reiterated his unequivocal position: the striker will only be considered if he is “100% physically fit”, following what he blamed on knee problems that had hampered his performance in recent months.
Romario: “Attention sir: a champion must play!”
Neymar, who recently posted on Instagram expressing his frustration at being left at home, continues his recovery at Santos. But Romario's comments reignited the debate ahead of the 2026 World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the US, many supporters considering that the number 10 wearer may be decisive for the Seleção.
The former great Brazilian striker Romario (57 years old) was admitted to a hospital in the metropolis of Rio de Janeiro, citing health problems. Photo: maiesfutbol.iol.pt
While he assured that he will support the team no matter what, the former striker insisted that he wants to see Neymar on the pitch at the next final tournament, concluding with a direct criticism: “Attention, sir: a champion must play!”.
Neymar (34 years old) has 128 caps and 79 goals for Brazil, being the Seleção's all-time top scorer. The striker last played more than five months ago in a 2-0 defeat to Uruguay in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, coming off injured and being replaced at half-time by Carlo Ancelotti with Richarlison.
