- Neymar Jr was omitted from Brazil’s latest squad, with concerns over fitness following his recent return from injury
- The Santos FC forward said he felt “upset” and “sad” but remained determined to keep working towards a recall
- Neymar emphasised continued training and performance, aiming to prove his readiness amid increasing competition from younger players
Neymar Jr has admitted he is “upset” and “sad” after being excluded from Brazil’s latest national team squad, in what marks another setback in his return to top-level football.
The Santos FC forward, who previously starred for FC Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, shared an emotional message following the announcement. His reaction was reported by Fabrizio Romano via social media on Tuesday.
Despite his disappointment, Neymar emphasised that his determination remains intact as he continues to rebuild his fitness and form.
“I’m upset, sad, about not being called up. But the focus remains day after day, training after training, game after game,” he said. “We’re going to achieve our goal. There’s still one final call-up left and the dream lives on.”
The 32-year-old forward has been working his way back after a lengthy spell on the sidelines due to injury, which has significantly limited his playing time in recent months. His absence from the squad is widely understood to be linked to concerns over his match fitness and sharpness.
Brazil’s coaching staff have instead opted to select players who are currently fully fit and performing consistently at club level. The decision also reflects a broader shift within the national team, as younger talents are increasingly being integrated into the squad ahead of upcoming international competitions.
Neymar, long regarded as one of Brazil’s most influential players, now faces a race against time to prove his readiness for future selections. While his omission will come as a disappointment to fans, his message suggests he remains focused on earning a recall.
With at least one more squad announcement expected before major tournaments, the forward still has an opportunity to re-establish himself. For now, however, his immediate priority remains regaining peak condition and delivering strong performances for Santos.
His absence highlights both the competitive nature of Brazil’s evolving squad and the challenges facing experienced players seeking to maintain their place amid a new generation of talent.