Neymar’s 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers Brazil return hopes under Carlo Ancelotti hit bump? Critics notice one troubling aspect after latest Santos remarks

While Neymar's performance was full of flair and statistics to match, his reaction off the pitch is what stole the spotlight—and not entirely for the right reasons.

In front of a crowd at the Estadio do Morumbi, Neymar reminded Brazil why he remains one of the game’s most electrifying talents, scoring twice in Santos’ 3-1 win over Juventude. The performance, coming in front of Carlo Ancelotti’s coaching staff, reignited the conversation about the 33-year-old’s place in the national team ahead of Brazil’s September World Cup qualifiers.

But while his performance was full of flair and statistics to match, Neymar’s reaction off the pitch is what stole the spotlight—and not entirely for the right reasons.

On the field, Neymar was at his best. He opened the scoring in the 37th minute, and after a Juventude fightback, sealed the victory with a penalty late in the second half. It marked his first brace since netting twice against Bolivia for Brazil in September 2023, and his display was dominant throughout.

“Happy to play a good game and win again. I feel good,” Neymar told reporters after the final whistle. That win took his season tally to three goals in nine Serie A appearances, but more importantly, it marked the first time he’s completed 90 minutes in five straight games since August 2022—a vital milestone following his ACL and meniscus tear in October 2023.

The comment that stirred controversy

After the match, the 33-year-old was asked whether his performance might influence Brazil’s coaching staff, who had attended the game to assess his readiness for international duty. The forward, usually no stranger to controversy, delivered a curt, defiant response. “I don’t need to prove anything to anyone,” Neymar said before walking away.

The comment triggered a wave of criticism in Brazil. While fans and pundits praised his return to form, some questioned his attitude—particularly considering the Selecao’s current focus on building a cohesive unit ahead of the 2026 World Cup, which Ancelotti will oversee.

Accusations of immaturity

Among the most outspoken voices was former Brazil midfielder Ze Elias, who didn’t hold back during his appearance on ESPN. “Neymar doesn’t have the maturity to understand certain things,” he said. “That answer is the response of a guy everyone fawns over, pats him on the back, and he’s used to that kind of situation. That was the question he was asking to promote himself, to say, ‘I’m fine, I’m feeling good, I’ve played five games without leaving, I’m playing 90 minutes, I’m getting better every day.’ But he doesn’t have the maturity to understand that kind of question.”

The former player continued his criticism, suggesting Neymar was acting as if under siege, rather than in sync with the national project: “He thinks everyone is doubting him, everyone is questioning him… The people working there are doing their job, and many of them are rooting for Neymar to return to playing good football.”

Ze Elias added that Neymar needed to recognize his role beyond himself, especially as a veteran figure: “He’s 33 years old. It’s time to understand his importance to the outside world, not just to himself, because sometimes he only talks to himself.”

Despite the harsh tone, Ze Elias acknowledged Neymar’s unique brilliance: “He could be a key player for Brazil. Neymar, for me, is the last great genius on the shelf of Ronaldinho, Rivaldo, Ronaldo Nazario, because his ability to improvise is otherworldly.”