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Brazil’s Olympic gold medal-winning coach Rogerio Micale has voiced criticism of Carlo Ancelotti’s handling of Neymar during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, drawing comparisons between the Brazilian star and global icons Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Despite Neymar’s announcement of his retirement from international football following Brazil’s heartbreaking exit against Norway, Micale believes the forward should reconsider and target participation in the 2030 edition.

Micale questions Ancelotti’s World Cup strategy

After the 1-1 draw between America-MG and Londrina on Monday, Micale expressed disappointment over the limited role handed to Neymar by Ancelotti. According to a report by ESPN, the coach was baffled by how few minutes Neymar played during the tournament in the United States. Carrying an injury into the competition, the 32-year-old featured for only 14 minutes against Scotland and 23 minutes in the round of 16 match against Norway, which ended in a 2-1 defeat. Although Neymar scored a late penalty in that game, it wasn’t enough to prevent Erling Haaland’s side from progressing. Micale emphasised that a player of Neymar’s stature deserved far greater involvement on the pitch.

Comparing Neymar to Messi and Ronaldo

Micale argued that top-tier players need special treatment to allow them to perform at their best. “For me, Neymar is the best Brazilian player. Who am I to criticise Ancelotti, but Neymar should have been utilised better—just as Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Mohamed Salah are handled by their teams. When I worked in Egypt, I saw the whole system built around Salah to help him perform,” Micale explained.

Addressing concerns about Neymar’s fitness, he added: “The biggest debate was about being 100 per cent fit. But for a star, a game-changer like Neymar, his presence alone carries weight and inspires others. I would never give up on Neymar.”

Emotional farewell at MetLife Stadium

Micale remains hopeful of seeing Neymar don the national colours again. “In the next cycle, I want to see Neymar on the pitch. I would buy a ticket just to watch Neymar. There are many matches in Brazil I wouldn’t attend even if I got a free invitation. But if Neymar is playing, even under minimal conditions, I’ll be there at the stadium. Neymar is indisputable,” he declared.

However, those aspirations face a harsh reality. Following Brazil’s elimination by Norway, Neymar emotionally announced his international retirement. Standing at MetLife Stadium—the same venue where he made his debut in 2010—the visibly moved star stated, “I tried and tried. I began my career here at MetLife Stadium, and it ends here. It’s over now.”

What lies ahead for the Brazilian icon?

After the painful World Cup exit and his decision to retire from the national team, Neymar will now focus solely on his club career and regaining full fitness. The legendary forward aims to overcome persistent knee injuries as he prepares for the upcoming domestic season. Meanwhile, Brazil face the challenge of rebuilding under Carlo Ancelotti and identifying a new leader to guide the team towards the 2030 World Cup.