Neymar receives unexpected support from a Brazilian legend after being sidelined by Ancelotti The controversy surrounding Neymar’s inclusion in Brazil’s national team for the 2026 FIFA World Cup has taken another dramatic turn as former Brazil coach Dunga publicly endorsed the star forward. Dunga, a World Cup-winning captain and legendary figure in Brazilian football, made it clear that Neymar’s participation in the tournament hinges entirely on his readiness to play at the highest level. His comments come amid growing speculation about Neymar’s potential exclusion from Carlo Ancelotti’s latest squad call-up, despite the forward’s strong performances with Santos. Dunga emphasized that Neymar’s role in the World Cup must be central, rejecting the idea of relegating him to a secondary position. “To go to the World Cup, you have to be at 80%, not 100%, but 80% for a player of his quality,” Dunga said during an interview on the podcast “Um Assado para...” He argued that Neymar’s technical brilliance and competitive spirit demand a starring role, not a substitute position. “He won’t accept being a substitute,” Dunga added, highlighting the player’s refusal to settle for anything less than a key contribution. The Brazilian legend’s remarks underscore the high stakes of Neymar’s potential exclusion from the squad. If Ancelotti decides to leave him out, the decision will face intense scrutiny, especially given Neymar’s consistent form with Santos and his status as one of Brazil’s most iconic players. Dunga’s support adds weight to the argument that Neymar’s absence would be a significant blow to Brazil’s chances in the tournament. The situation has also drawn attention from other football figures, including Rio Ferdinand, who claimed Neymar could achieve feats that even Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi could not.#carlo_ancelotti #neymar #brazil #2026_fifa_world_cup #dunga
