In a scathing critique, former Brazilian international Vampeta has openly condemned Neymar’s inclusion in Brazil’s 2026 World Cup squad. The ex-Paris Saint-Germain midfielder argued that the Santos forward’s spot came at the expense of another player’s opportunity to live their dream on the global stage.
Neymar, currently recovering from a calf injury sustained on May 17, was named in Carlo Ancelotti’s final 23-man roster for the tournament. However, Vampeta dismissed the decision as unjustifiable, pointing out that Neymar missed Brazil’s recent 1-1 draw with Morocco due to the same injury.
Speaking to Brazilian outlet BNews, Vampeta stated, “His presence took the dream away from another athlete. Neymar last played on May 17. In the first 16 days of the World Cup, he has zero chance of playing—he can’t perform with a grade-two calf injury. Is he going to be match-fit for a title fight? Absolutely no chance.”
The remarks highlight growing dissent over Neymar’s fitness and selection, with questions lingering about Brazil’s reliance on the star forward as they chase a sixth World Cup title.