Brazil have taken a firm step in their World Cup preparations, and it has come at the expense of one of the country’s most recognisable names.

Neymar has been left out of the national team squad for the upcoming international friendlies against France and Croatia, fixtures that carry more weight than their friendly status might suggest. With the final World Cup squad set to be named on May 18, these matches are effectively the last chance for players to make their case.

The omission is not entirely unexpected, but it still lands with significance. Neymar, now 34, has struggled to string together consistent minutes since returning to Santos. His recent absence from a domestic match due to muscle fatigue only reinforced concerns about his readiness at a critical moment.

Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti did not leave much room for interpretation. He made it clear that fitness, not reputation, would determine selection.

“Neymar can be at the World Cup if he’s 100 percent,” he said. “I didn’t call him up because he’s not 100 percent. Neymar has to be training and playing.”

That stance reflects a broader shift in Brazil’s approach as they move closer to the tournament. The March fixtures in Boston and Orlando are not being treated as routine warm-ups. Instead, they are being used to test players who may not have been central to the squad in recent years.

There is also the simple fact that Neymar has not played for Brazil since October 2023, when a serious knee injury interrupted his international career. Since then, recovery has been uneven, and regular involvement has remained elusive.

His reaction, however, suggested no retreat from ambition. Speaking in Sao Paulo, he acknowledged disappointment but maintained focus on returning to full fitness.

“I remain focused, day after day, training session after training session, match after match. We will achieve our goal. The dream continues.”

While Neymar waits, others are moving forward. Endrick’s return after a productive spell at Olympique Lyonnais signals growing trust in younger options. First-time call-ups for Igor Thiago and Rayan point to a willingness to refresh the attacking line, even as established names remain part of the core.

Brazil will open their World Cup campaign against Morocco on June 13, with Scotland and Haiti also in their group. A final warm-up against Egypt is scheduled just a week before that.

For Neymar, the path remains open, but narrower than before. Time, more than anything else, will now decide whether his place in Brazil’s next chapter can still be reclaimed.