Why isn’t Neymar playing in the international friendly between Brazil and Croatia?

Brazil will play an international friendly against Croatia at the Camping World Stadium in Florida on Wednesday.

Under the leadership of Carlo Ancelotti, Brazil is in a period of tactical transition. After a narrow 2-1 defeat to France in Foxborough, the pressure is on Ancelotti to find a rhythm.

The topic of discussion before the match was the exclusion of star striker Neymar.

While Neymar recently returned to action for Santos, Ancelotti explicitly stated that the attacker is not yet in optimal physical condition for the national team. The 34-year-old has scored three goals and has an assist to his name for Santos in three league games.

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Neymar was left out of the squad that faced France last week. He is Brazil’s all-time leading goalscorer with 79 goals and 59 assists in 128 appearances since his debut in 2010.

With the World Cup scheduled for later this year, Neymar’s continued exclusion may be a sign of things to come.

Brazil has been drawn into Group C alongside Morocco, Haiti and Scotland for the tournament from June 11 to July 19. Ancelotti will announce his final squad by May 18.

Published on April 1, 2026