Denílson suggests that Neymar’s statement influenced Ancelotti’s decision to leave him out of the Brazilian national team
The five-time world champion believes Neymar’s words created discomfort and contributed to the forward’s absence from the September call-up.
Former Brazil international Denílson pointed to Neymar’s comments earlier this month as a decisive factor in Carlo Ancelotti’s choice to exclude the Santos forward from the latest Brazil squad. Speaking about the September FIFA dates, Denílson argued that the star’s declaration that he “didn’t need to prove anything to anyone” may have weighed heavily on the coach.
The Controversial Statement
The remark was made after Juan, a member of Ancelotti’s coaching staff, attended a Santos match at MorumBIS to observe Neymar. Asked about being monitored, the No. 10 responded ironically, which, according to Denílson, may have left a negative impression.
“I don’t think Neymar needs to be tested, but he could deliver more to be in the national team,” Denílson explained. “At this moment, I think Ancelotti was right not to take him. I believe the exclusion came more from that MorumBIS statement than from his performance.”
Neymar Contradicts Ancelotti
The situation escalated after Ancelotti announced his 23-man squad to face Chile and Bolivia, explaining Neymar’s absence as a precaution due to fitness concerns at Santos. Neymar, however, contradicted that version following Santos’ draw against Fluminense, saying he had “some discomfort” but was physically fit, implying that the coach’s decision was technical, not medical.
Almost Two Years Without Brazil
Neymar is now approaching two years away from the national team. His last appearance came in October 2023, when he suffered a serious knee injury against Uruguay. Since returning to Brazil, he has featured 20 times for Santos, scoring six goals and providing three assists, but has not managed to reclaim his place with the Seleção.
During Dorival Júnior’s brief stint as Brazil coach, Neymar was included in the squad for the March qualifiers but missed out due to another injury. Under Ancelotti, his comeback remains uncertain.
