Brazil are gearing up for a crucial international break in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers, with matches against Colombia and Lionel Messi’s Argentina on the horizon. While fans were eagerly anticipating Neymar‘s long-awaited return to the national team, a surprising decision has changed those plans.
Coach Dorival Junior’s squad list for the March international break drew attention after including Santos star Neymar. The forward, sidelined since October 2023 due to an ACL injury sustained against Uruguay, will now have to wait a little longer for his return.
Brazil’s national team has decided to withdraw Neymar from the squad. The decision was made jointly between the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) and the player himself, with Real Madrid’s rising star Endrick called up as his replacement.
This setback means Brazil will be without their most influential player in recent years, and the much-anticipated Neymar vs. Messi showdown on March 25 will no longer take place.
Why is Neymar out for Brazil?
Neymar’s absence stems from a lingering issue in his left thigh, which first emerged during the Paulista Championship quarterfinal against Red Bull Bragantino on March 2. The problem worsened on March 6, forcing Neymar to leave a training session in visible discomfort.
see also
Palmeiras president fires back at Neymar with strong retirement remark amid synthetic turf debate
According to UOL, medical tests revealed no structural damage, but the persistent pain continued to limit his mobility. Despite a week of treatment — which also kept him out of Santos’ semifinal clash against Corinthians — the injury showed no signs of improvement.
After discussions between Brazil’s national team director Rodrigo Caetano and Santos’ medical and football departments, the decision was made — with Neymar’s approval — to withdraw him from the squad.
Neymar breaks his silence on the injury
No one was more eager for Neymar’s return than the player himself. In an Instagram story, the Brazilian star expressed his disappointment after being ruled out once again.
“It seemed so close, my return, but unfortunately, I won’t be able to wear the heaviest jersey in the world right now! We had long conversations, and everyone knows how much I wanted to come back, but we reached a consensus and decided not to take any risks so I can prepare better and fully recover from the injury,” Neymar wrote.
Thanking fans for their support after the news broke, he concluded with: “It’s all part of the process.” Brazil’s next CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifiers are scheduled for September against Chile and Bolivia, meaning Neymar will have to wait six more months for his highly anticipated return to international duty.
