Kylian Mbappe has joined the growing debate surrounding Neymar’s international future, insisting that he cannot imagine a World Cup without the Brazilian superstar. As pressure mounts on Selecao boss Carlo Ancelotti to recall the veteran forward, Mbappe has backed his former team-mate to prove his fitness in time for the 2026 tournament.
Neymar found himself back in headlines across Europe last week after he was brought up as a topic of debate on The Overlap. Gary Neville introduced a new 'Unpopular Opinions' segment, and kicked it off with the following statement: "No Premier League player in history is better than a prime Neymar."
Kylian Mbappe has moved to silence the storm surrounding his fitness, categorically denying sensational claims that Real Madrid medical staff examined the wrong knee. The France captain addressed the media ahead of Les Bleus' friendly against Brazil, insisting that his relationship with the Spanish giants remains transparent despite a wave of reports alleging a "monumental mistake" in his diagnosis.
Vinicius Junior has spoken out on his long-term future at Real Madrid as he prepares to enter the final year of his current contract. The Brazilian forward is currently away on international duty with Brazil, but believes he has been living his "best moment" at club level.
Carlo Ancelotti has responded to the growing noise surrounding Neymar’s international future with Brazil. Despite the Santos forward’s ongoing absence from the national team, a host of legends and current stars have demanded his inclusion for the 2026 World Cup.
Fabinho has backed Neymar to make Brazil's 2026 World Cup squad, claiming the Santos star remains his country's "most talented player" despite his ongoing fitness struggles. As Carlo Ancelotti’s current squad prepares for a high-profile friendly against France, the debate surrounding Neymar’s physical condition and international future continues to dominate the narrative.
Brazil national team manager Carlo Ancelotti has compared his squad's footballing DNA to the vibrant energy of Carnival ahead of the upcoming World Cup. While the Italian tactician praised his team's incredible attacking talent and promised an entertaining style of play, he also openly addressed a concerning lack of depth in the traditional full-back positions.
Brentford star Igor Thiago has weighed in on the eternal debate surrounding Brazil's greatest footballing icons. The 24-year-old striker, who has taken the Premier League by storm this season, has ranked the legendary figures of the Selecao in an exclusive interview with GOAL. His comments come at a career-defining moment as he prepares to transition from club hero to international contender with Brazil.
Neymar allegedly spent almost an entire day playing "high-stakes" poker while sidelined from his duties at Santos due to "load management". The Brazilian icon was ruled out of his club's latest game against Cruzeiro, but his activities off the pitch have sparked a fresh debate regarding his professional commitment.
Brazil legend Romario has demanded that Carlo Ancelotti "pay attention" following Neymar's omission from the latest Selecao squad. Romario insisted that the Santos forward remains an indispensable asset for the national team as they ramp up their preparations for the 2026 World Cup.
Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes has been forced to withdraw from the Brazil squad after sustaining a knee injury during the Gunners' Carabao Cup final defeat to Manchester City. Despite completing the full 90 minutes at Wembley, the 28-year-old reported significant discomfort shortly after the final whistle. This development leaves the Gunners facing a growing defensive crisis as they prepare for a pivotal run-in following the international break.
Liverpool will be without the services of Alisson Becker for Saturday’s early kick-off against Brighton. The 33-year-old shot-stopper did not travel with the rest of the Reds squad to the South Coast, dealing a significant blow to Arne Slot’s plans as they look to keep up their pursuit of Champions League qualification.
We already knew Nike had built something special through their Jordan Brand and Paris Saint-Germain collaboration, with the 'Jumpman' logo replacing the 'Swoosh' on the French giants’ shirts for the past eight years - but they've entered another stratosphere after linking up with the Brazilian federation.
Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney says he has never considered Neymar to be world class. The Brazilian superstar has enjoyed a stellar career, winning titles across the globe with Santos, Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain. The forward has also dazzled in Brazil's colours on the international stage but that's not been enough to impress the former England international.
Neymar has admitted he is feeling "sad" and "upset" after being left out of Carlo Ancelotti’s latest Brazil squad for the upcoming international break. The Santos forward, who is documentation his daily life in a new YouTube series, has acknowledged that the 2026 tournament represents his final chance at World Cup glory.
Chelsea wonderkid Estevao Willian has certainly made his loyalties known. In a light-hearted but revealing social media challenge put to him by GOAL, the teenage sensation was asked to pick between legendary figures of English and Brazilian football, and his answers were remarkably one-sided.
Neymar has expressed his deep disappointment after being left out of Carlo Ancelotti’s latest Brazil squad. Although he recently managed to play the full 90 minutes for Santos, the legendary forward faces a race against time to prove his fitness for the 2026 World Cup.
Carlo Ancelotti has omitted Neymar from his latest Brazil squad for the upcoming high-profile friendlies against France and Croatia. Despite the Santos forward returning to domestic football at the weekend after a lengthy injury, the Italian tactician believes the 34-year-old superstar is not yet at the physical level required to represent the national team.
Carlo Ancelotti reflected on the final months of his historic tenure at the Santiago Bernabeu. The Italian tactician, who is now leading the Brazilian national team, explained how Kylian Mbappe's arrival coincided with a turning point that required more than just tactical adjustments. While Mbappe’s talent was never in question, his integration occurred at the same time the squad lost its traditional leadership core.
Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti has showered praise on his former Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr, highlighting his exceptional mentality and consistency on the biggest stages. Emphasising his Brazilian flair, humility and joy, the coach dismissed any concerns over past frustrations, throwing his full support behind the winger ahead of a demanding World Cup campaign.
Real Madrid's former coach Carlo Ancelotti has revealed the light-hearted message he sent to Federico Valverde following the midfielder’s stunning hat-trick against Manchester City. The Uruguayan international produced the performance of a lifetime at the Santiago Bernabeu, single-handedly dismantling the Premier League giants in a sensational first-half display. His treble has put the Spanish giants in a commanding position ahead of the second leg.
Brazil have officially unveiled a revolutionary partnership with Jordan Brand, marking the first time the iconic 'Jumpman logo will appear on a national team football kit. The historic threads are set for a high-profile debut at the end of March in a glamour friendly in the build-up to the 2026 World Cup.
Neymar has hinted at injuries forcing him to retire at the end of 2026, but a fellow Brazilian is tipping the 34-year-old playmaker to make the “truly massive” call of joining Lionel Messi in MLS. Neymar previously worked with the Argentine GOAT at Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, with Kleberson telling GOAL why a reunion at Inter Miami remains a distinct possibility.
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