2026 World Cup: "The name more than the pitch," "a diplomatic choice," "an added burden"... The Brazilian press is skeptical after Neymar's selection for Brazil

While the announcement of Neymar's selection for the 2026 World Cup sent much of Brazil into a frenzy on Monday night, Carlo Ancelotti's choice has raised questions among Brazilian commentators. Did he really call up the 34-year-old superstar for sporting reasons?

A collective frenzy erupted in the streets and bars, Carlo Ancelotti's press conference was interrupted by shouts and applause, and dozens of videos showed children crying in front of their televisions... Brazil celebrated the return of a national idol to the national team in style. On Monday evening, Neymar was called up by Carlo Ancelotti to play in the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

After a two-year absence, the Brazilian star, plagued by injuries in recent years, will play in his fourth World Cup. His presence was eagerly awaited by an entire nation. Yet, his true level is being questioned. After two virtually lost years at Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia, Neymar joined Santos in 2025 where he has been able to showcase his talent intermittently, once again due to physical setbacks.

Selected, but in what role?

Even though he managed to play 15 matches since the beginning of February, did he deserve to exclude a striker of João Pedro's (Chelsea) caliber from the list of 26? "Neymar did not deserve to be selected for the World Cup, but the national team needs him," wrote Mauro Betin in the newspaper Estadão.

Because all Brazilian columnists agree that this return to global prominence has little to do with sport. According to Carlos Eduardo Mansur in O Globo, Neymar simply "was on the field for consecutive matches" even though "his body did not allow him to perform the technical skills he used to perform, nor to reach a high international level."

"I would have taken him too. Without the slightest conviction," continued Mauro Betin. "But with immense confidence in his potential. And in what the national team lacks, deprived of Estêvão, Rodrygo and better talents."

A presence, then, for lack of a better option. But also to take on a slightly different role: that of an "impact player," capable of turning a match around. "Starting? No. Coming on in the final minutes, finding solutions and teammates, yes," Mauro Betin stated definitively.

A "diplomatic decision"

Neymar's physical condition and playing style could, however, unbalance Carlo Ancelotti's team. According to Folha de Sao Paulo, "the star possesses undeniable talent and an impressive track record; however, he is criticized for a lack of defensive discipline and physical intensity." "With Neymar, Brazil gains in technique, vision, chance creation, set pieces, and individual talent," the newspaper stated. "Without him, regardless of the player fielded, the team will be faster, more physically intense, more defensively solid, and more cohesive. There are advantages and disadvantages. It is necessary to weigh them up and determine which aspect outweighs the others."

Hence the question of what status the former Barcelona and PSG player will have this coming June and July. His presence adds "an extra weight to the baggage," according to Carlos Eduardo Mansur. "Now let's move on to the next debate: Should Neymar be a starter? If not, how many minutes should he play per match? Why not use him more? His presence at the World Cup will provoke all sorts of reactions, but not indifference," the journalist asserted.

In another article in O Globo, the interpretation goes even further: "His name recognition took precedence over the reality on the pitch." Carlo Ancelotti supposedly made "a comfortable choice" by taking "a diplomatic decision, given the ties several players in the squad have with Neymar and the emotional attachment the player inspires in a large part of the fanbase." "I think that by calling him up, Ancelotti is also trying to unite the country around the national team," suggested Douglas Ceconello.

In a team riddled with weaknesses and lacking undisputed leaders, the Italian coach has rekindled hope for the more than 200 million inhabitants of the country with the most World Cup titles. For Carlos Eduardo Mansur, "it's, in part, an act of faith."