Neymar World Cup fitness row: Brazil president mocks star's absence
Synopsis
Brazil's president publicly mocked Neymar as a 'remote work' footballer at the World Cup — and the joke landed because it is largely true. With a grade two calf injury keeping him out, a 1-1 draw against Morocco already on the books, and Haiti next, the question of whether Ancelotti's loyalty to his star is a masterstroke or a costly gamble is no longer just a media debate. It is a national one.
Key Takeaways
President Lula publicly mocked Neymar , calling him 'the first player in the world called up for remote work' at the 2026 World Cup .
Neymar has been sidelined by a grade two calf injury sustained while playing for Santos on 17 May .
Brazil drew 1-1 with Morocco in their Group C opener, struggling without Neymar's creative influence.
Coach Carlo Ancelotti is reportedly targeting Neymar's return for the Scotland fixture in Miami on 24 June .
Neymar is Brazil's all-time leading scorer with 79 goals , appearing in his fourth World Cup after 2014, 2018, and 2022.
Neymar's place in Brazil's 2026 World Cup squad has ignited a sharp national debate, with President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva publicly mocking the forward's continued absence from competitive play, as the five-time world champions prepare for their Group C clash against Haiti.
Lula's Jab Heard Across Brazil
The Brazilian president drew widespread attention on Friday when he quipped about Neymar's situation in Portuguese. 'Neymar isn't even playing, dude,' Lula said, according to reports. 'I saw something yesterday. Neymar is the first player in the world called up for remote work.' The remark spread rapidly, amplifying scrutiny over coach Carlo Ancelotti's decision to include the 34-year-old in the final 26-man squad despite unresolved fitness concerns.
The Injury Timeline
Neymar sustained a grade two calf injury while playing for Santos on 17 May, and has not featured in competitive football since. He has returned to light conditioning work and some full-team training sessions, but has not yet been cleared for match action. Ancelotti is reportedly holding out hope that the veteran forward could return for Brazil's final group-stage fixture against Scotland in Miami on 24 June — provided Brazil have already secured a knockout-round berth by then.
What Brazil Missed Against Morocco
The debate gained urgency after Brazil's laboured 1-1 draw with Morocco in their opening group game. The Seleção struggled to generate clear-cut chances and lacked the creative edge in the final third that Neymar has historically provided. Critics argue that a fully fit attacking alternative could have served the squad better, while Ancelotti has maintained that Neymar's leadership, experience, and intangible influence within the squad justify his inclusion even while sidelined.
Neymar's Record and World Cup Legacy
The stakes around Neymar's fitness are heightened by his stature in Brazilian football. He is the country's all-time leading scorer with 79 international goals, having surpassed Pelé's long-standing record. This is his fourth World Cup, following appearances in 2014, 2018, and 2022, across which he has scored a combined eight goals. His ability to unlock organised defences and create space in tight situations has been a cornerstone of Brazil's attacking identity for over a decade.
What Happens Next
All eyes now turn to Brazil's medical team and Ancelotti's squad decisions ahead of the Haiti match. If Neymar does not feature there either, pressure will mount on the coaching staff to clarify his status before the Scotland fixture on 24 June. Should Brazil fail to qualify comfortably from the group, the debate over his inclusion — and the opportunity cost of a roster spot — will only intensify.
Point of View
And carrying an injured player — however iconic — carries a genuine opportunity cost. Ancelotti's argument that Neymar's off-pitch influence justifies inclusion is defensible in theory, but Brazil's flat display against Morocco has made it harder to sustain in practice. The deeper question is whether this signals a transitional Brazil side still emotionally dependent on an ageing star, or a calculated gamble by a coach who knows his best player better than the critics do. If Neymar returns and delivers against Scotland, Ancelotti looks like a genius. If Brazil stumble out of the group, this squad selection will be the first line of the post-mortem.
NationPress
5 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Neymar not playing at the 2026 World Cup so far?
Neymar is recovering from a grade two calf injury sustained on 17 May while playing for Santos. He has returned to training but has not yet been cleared for competitive match play.
What did Brazil president Lula say about Neymar?
President Lula publicly mocked Neymar's absence, saying 'Neymar isn't even playing, dude' and calling him 'the first player in the world called up for remote work,' according to reports. The comment spread widely across Brazil and intensified the debate over his squad inclusion.
When could Neymar return for Brazil at the World Cup?
Coach Carlo Ancelotti is reportedly targeting Neymar's return for Brazil's final Group C match against Scotland in Miami on 24 June, assuming Brazil have already secured qualification by then.
How did Brazil perform without Neymar against Morocco?
Brazil drew 1-1 with Morocco in their Group C opener, struggling to create clear chances and lacking creativity in the final third. The result heightened scrutiny over Neymar's absence and the decision to include him in the squad while injured.
What is Neymar's World Cup record?
Neymar is Brazil's all-time leading scorer with 79 international goals, surpassing Pelé's record. The 2026 tournament is his fourth World Cup, having previously appeared in 2014, 2018, and 2022, scoring eight goals across those three editions.
