Former Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Vampeta has criticized the inclusion of Neymar in Brazil’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Vampeta, a former Brazilian international, argued that Neymar’s selection may have denied another deserving player the opportunity to fulfill a lifelong dream of representing Brazil at the tournament.
Neymar was included in Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti’s final squad for the World Cup.
However, the former FC Barcelona star missed Brazil’s 1 to 1 draw against Morocco last weekend due to a calf injury sustained on May 17.
Speaking to Brazilian media outlet BNews, Vampeta questioned the decision to include Neymar despite his current fitness concerns.
“[It] took the dream away from another player.
“Neymar played his last match on May 17. In the first 16 days, Neymar has zero chance of playing; he has no condition whatsoever to step in and perform with a grade two calf injury.
“With the World Cup, countries and nations fighting for the title, is Neymar going to be fit to play? No chance whatsoever.”
