On Sunday, Neymar played poorly against Corinthians, and the following day, he was notably absent from Carlo Ancelotti's list of 26 players for an upcoming match. With the exclusion of Rodrygo and Estêvão, and Richarlison losing his position, Neymar's absence was striking as he was overtaken by newcomers Endrick, Rayan, and Igor Thiago, who received their first call-ups under the Italian coach. Even though Ancelotti mentioned that Neymar is still performing well with the ball, he justified the decision based on Neymar's physical condition.

This situation raises questions about Neymar's current form as he has only played in three and a half matches in 2026 with the national team, making it challenging to assess his overall performance. Ancelotti's limited explanation suggests a desire to avoid delving into the technical aspects of a player's evaluation, instead of pointing out Neymar's physical status as a reason for his exclusion. This indicates a shift within the team dynamics as younger talents are increasingly taking the spotlight.

As Neymar continues to struggle with consistency on the field, the implications of his exclusion signify a potential turning point for the Brazilian national team. While veterans like Neymar may still have moments of brilliance, the rising stars are being given opportunities to shine, hinting at a transitional phase for the squad as they prepare for future competitions, particularly with the World Cup on the horizon.