Carlo Ancelotti defends his Brazil squad after defeat to France, dismissing Neymar chants and praising Raphinha and Vinicius Jr.
Carlo Ancelotti brushed aside chants for Neymar following Brazil’s 2-1 defeat to France in an international warm-up match in Boston.
🔥 VICTOIRE 2️⃣-1️⃣ !
Nos Bleus s’offrent le Brésil dans cette affiche de prestige 🙌 #BREFRA pic.twitter.com/2R6bM9Ssuz
— Equipe de France ⭐⭐ (@equipedefrance) March 26, 2026
Neymar was not included in the squad after missing recent games for Santos due to muscle fatigue. Ancelotti had intended to watch the forward in person as part of his evaluation before naming the squad.
The Brazil manager insisted attention should remain on the players who featured, praising their effort and commitment despite the loss. He expressed satisfaction with the performance and highlighted the character shown by the team.
Ancelotti singled out Raphinha for his display, noting that the winger created several chances and moved well off the ball before being substituted due to muscle discomfort late in the first half.
He also commended Vinícius Júnior, emphasizing the forward’s constant threat. Ancelotti pointed out that while strikers do not always score, the overall contribution from both attackers was encouraging.
Neymar, Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with 79 goals, has not played for the national team since suffering a serious knee injury in October 2023. Since returning to Santos, he has struggled to build consistent match fitness, though Ancelotti has repeatedly said he will be considered once fully fit.
Despite the defeat, Ancelotti believes the performance demonstrated Brazil’s ability to compete at the highest level. The team will next face Croatia national football team in Orlando as preparations continue for the upcoming World Cup in North America.
