Neymar Faces Public Embarrassment Following Brazilian President's Remarks
Brazil's attack looked a step slow against Morocco on Saturday, and the missing piece was obvious to anyone watching. Neymar wasn't on the field, and his absence has turned into one of the loudest storylines of the tournament back home.
The 34-year-old forward has been ruled out of Brazil's second Group C match against Haiti as he continues recovering from a grade two calf injury suffered while playing for Santos on May 17.
The BFC confirmed Neymar stayed behind at the team's base in New Jersey for rehab instead of traveling with the squad to Philadelphia.
There was already some debate when Carlo Ancelotti named Neymar to Brazil's final 26-man World Cup squad, given his fitness concerns. He's returned to light conditioning work and parts of team training but he's not yet cleared for match action.
Ancelotti appears to be playing it safe, with hopes that Neymar could be ready for the final group stage match against Scotland on June 24 in Miami if Brazil secures its position before then.
Brazil's President Joins the Criticism
The frustration in Brazil reached the highest level of government this week. President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva publicly weighed in on Neymar's situation and his place on the roster.
"Neymar isn't even playing, dude," Lula said in Portuguese, per Ataque Futbolero. "I saw something yesterday. Neymar is the first player in the world called up for remote work."
Este cruce entre Lula, PRESIDENTE DE BRASIL, y un nene brasileño, es INCREÍBLE:
— Ataque Futbolero (@AtaqueFutbolero) June 19, 2026
LULA: "¿Quién es el mejor jugador de Brasil?"
NENE: "¡Neymar!"
LULA: "¡Neymar es el primer jugador CONVOCADO A UN MUNDIAL QUE HACE HOME OFFICE!" pic.twitter.com/UgprlyGMKr
The comment only added more attention to a situation that was already drawing jokes and criticism across the country.
Neymar remains Brazil's all time leading scorer with 79 international goals, a number that pushed him past Pelé in the record books. This World Cup marks his fourth appearance in the tournament following trips in 2014, 2018, and 2022, where he scored eight goals combined.
Brazil opened its campaign with a 1-1 draw against Morocco at MetLife Stadium, and the attack struggled to generate consistent chances without him. His ability to create space and break down defensive shape was clearly missed, leaving Ancelotti's side more predictable in the final third.
That's fueled debate among fans questioning whether a roster spot should have gone to a fully healthy attacking option instead. Ancelotti has stood firm on the decision regardless.
He's pointed to Neymar's leadership and presence in the locker room as value that goes beyond what he offers on the field, especially during a tournament run like this one.
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This story was originally published June 19, 2026 at 5:15 PM.