With all sights set on the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Brazil is entering a new era under legendary manager Carlo Ancelotti.
Having chased Ancelotti's services for years, Brazil finally secured the Italian to usher them into next summer's tournament. The Selecao have been floundering for years, stuck in the middle of the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying standings, which is an embarrassing position for the globally dominant Brazil national team.
Part of the vision for the future is the reintegration of Neymar, who has been largely on the fringes of the national team for a number of years now, mostly due to consistent injury issues.
With Neymar now playing for Santos in Brazil hoping to make himself available for the coming year, The Sporting News explains what his continued absence means for his future at the national team level.
Is Neymar retiring from international football?
Despite not playing for Brazil since October 2023, Neymar is not retiring from international football.
However, there does already seem to be a rift forming between the player and new Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti.
When Ancelotti released his roster for the September international window, Neymar was not part of the squad. The two did not agree on the reason for Neymar's absence.
Why is Neymar not on the Brazil squad for September qualifiers?
The absence of Neymar from the Brazil squad for September qualifiers was confusing given the 33-year-old had just completed 90 minutes in a 0-0 draw with Fluminense on Aug. 31. He has completed the full 90 minutes in every league match since mid-July, only missing the Aug. 24 match against Bahia due to yellow card suspension.
The Brazil boss delivered an explanation, hinting Neymar had a "small problem" that left him unfit for international duty.
“It was a technical decision based on several factors," Ancelotti said. "Nobody can deny Neymar’s talent, but we evaluate the physical condition importantly, his and the others.
"We all know Neymar. We need him fresh and firing for the World Cup," which indicates he Neymar is very much in the plans for future international windows.
Is Neymar injured?
While Ancelotti hinted at a "physical condition" that rendered Neymar unavailable for selection, the player denied that was the case.
"It was a muscle swelling, but nothing serious. Otherwise, I wouldn't have played today," Neymar said after the 90 minutes against Fluminense.
"If I was left out, it was a technical decision, it had nothing to do with my physical condition."