The 33-year-old has not been selected for Carlo Ancelotti’s latest Brazil squad this month, with the ex-Real Madrid manager saying the forward had a “minor problem” that he needed to attend to before playing. Now, Neymar has seemingly had his say on the matter.
Alongside a photo of him training hard in the gym with kettlebells, Neymar wrote in a cryptic Instagram story: “Success comes from desire, determination, and persistence in achieving a goal. Even if you don’t reach your target, those who seek and overcome obstacles will, at the very least, do admirable things.”
While Ancelotti talked up Neymar’s quality, having played for Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain over the years, the veteran forward has not been able to consistently shine at Santos this season. A return of six goals and three assists in 19 games is nothing to write home about. The ex-Al-Hilal man will need to improve his performances and show he can stay fit if he wants to make Brazil’s 2026 Copa del Mundo squad.
Ancelotti’s Brazil, who sit third in their World Cup qualifying group after 16 matches with a place at next year’s finals already secure, are next in action on September 5 when they host Chile, before travelling to Bolivia five days later. It remains to be seen if Neymar will feature for his country again anytime soon.
