I was left out for technical reasons: Neymar breaks silence on Brazil squad omission

Rajarshi has been part of Khel Now since 2022, and he covers world football.

Published at :September 1, 2025 at 8:21 PM

Modified at :September 3, 2025 at 9:30 PM

(Courtesy : Getty Images)

The forward has dismissed Carlo Ancelotti’s reasons for his exclusion from the Selecao squad.

Neymar has denied Carlo Ancelotti’s assertion that the forward’s injury kept him out of the Brazil roster for this week’s CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying matches.

Last week, Ancelotti cited a “minor injury” for not bringing up the Santos star. The former Real Madrid manager even claimed that the veteran “needed to be in a good physical condition” in order to be considered for selection and that he “didn’t need to test” him anyhow.

Neymar sheds light on his Brazil squad exclusion

Neymar JR of Santos — SAO PAULO, BRAZIL – AUGUST 04: Neymar of Santos celebrates after scoring the first goal of his team during a Brasileirao 2025 match between Santos and Juventude at MorumBIS Stadium on August 04, 2025 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. (Photo by Alexandre Schneider/Getty Images)

Neymar provided an alternative narrative of events following Santos’ 0-0 draw in league game with Fluminense on Sunday, in which he played 90 minutes.

“It was some swelling I had in my adductor, some discomfort, but it was nothing serious, so much so that I played today,” Neymar said. “I wasn’t going to play against Bahía anyway [on August 24], so they preferred to save me some training sessions, to leave me out so I could recover.

“I was left out for technical reasons, it has nothing to do with my physical condition, it’s the coach’s opinion and I respect it. Since I’m out, we’ll just have to support the team.”

In their 2026 World Cup qualifying matches, Brazil will first host Chile on Friday (5 September) before travelling to play Bolivia on Wednesday (10 September).

With Argentina leading the table with 35 points, Ancelotti’s team are currently in third place, one point ahead of Uruguay and Paraguay.

Estêvão, Gabriel Martinelli, João Pedro, Kaio Jorge, Luiz Henrique, Matheus Cunha, Raphinha, and Richarlison were among the 25 players the Italian mentioned in the chosen squad as his forward possibilities last week.

In June, the Selecao defeated Paraguay 1-0 and drew 0-0 with Ecuador in Ancelotti’s first two games as national team manager.

Meanwhile, after leaving Al Hilal of the Saudi Pro League, the 33-year-old Neymar rejoined his boyhood team, Santos, on 31 January 2025.

Why was Neymar not called up for the Brazil squad?

Coach Carlo Ancelotti revealed the player has a minor injury problem.

What did the Brazilian player say about missing out on the Selecao’s squad?

He said he is fully fit.

Who are the Selecao facing in the September games?

They will play Chile and Bolivia.

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Telegram.

Rajarshi Shukla

After earning a bachelor's degree in mass media, Rajarshi began his career as a sports writer in 2019, driven by his passion for sports journalism. He has been working in the field for over six years. A devoted fan of Lionel Messi and Barcelona, Rajarshi has been involved in sports since childhood. Before turning his focus to journalism, he even represented his college at the state level. Along with covering football, he enjoys playing the game, watching movies, and experimenting with new recipes in his spare time, as cooking is one of his favorite hobbies.