On May 5, according to Brazilian journalist Marcel Rizzo, although Neymar is still expected to be included in Brazil’s preliminary 50-man squad for the 2026 World Cup, his chances of making the final 26-man list are rapidly declining. The former talisman of the national team has once again been thrust into the spotlight due to controversial behavior during training with Santos, raising concerns within the Brazilian Football Confederation about his professionalism and team spirit.

The incident occurred during a Santos training session last Sunday. Neymar reportedly clashed with teammate Robinho Jr.. According to Brazilian media, after being dribbled past by the youngster, Neymar lost his temper—verbally abusing him, then tripping him during a physical challenge and even slapping him. The episode caused immediate unrest within the squad and has since been formally reported to the club by Robinho Jr.’s legal team. They claim that Santos failed to provide a safe training environment and reserve the right to terminate the contract unilaterally. The club has launched an internal investigation, though no official conclusion has yet been announced.

Despite the controversy, internal sources suggest Neymar will still be included in the 50-man preliminary list to be submitted to FIFA on May 11. This list serves as a broad selection pool ahead of the final squad announcement, meaning Neymar remains within the national team framework. However, considering the nature of the incident and his recent off-field controversies, his chances of making the final 26-man squad have significantly diminished.

Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti and team director Caetano previously emphasized in internal meetings that they expect Neymar to show humility and discipline within the national team. Even if selected as a substitute, he is expected to avoid any off-field conflicts or disruptions. However, Neymar’s conduct in 2026 has been concerning. He was earlier criticized for making misogynistic remarks toward a referee during a match and has also been involved in disputes with fans—further fueling concerns about his potential negative influence in the dressing room.

It is understood that the Brazilian federation will evaluate players based on fitness, on-field performance, and team cohesion when finalizing the squad. Neymar has yet to fully prove his physical readiness for a World Cup campaign. The recent slapping incident has further damaged his image, giving Ancelotti additional justification to exclude him. Sources indicate the federation is keen to eliminate any potential “off-field noise,” especially in a high-pressure tournament like the World Cup.

Brazil already has several attacking players who are almost guaranteed spots, including Vinícius Júnior, Gabriel Martinelli, Matheus Cunha, and João Pedro. Estevão Willian of Chelsea was also seen as a key option but may miss out due to a serious muscle injury. With attacking slots largely occupied, Neymar’s room for competition is further limited. Even if considered for a midfield role, players like Danilo and Lucas Paquetá are already viewed as first-choice options, making Neymar’s chances even slimmer.

Neymar’s performances for Santos this season have been inconsistent, with noticeable fluctuations in form. He is set to feature in upcoming matches, including a Copa Sudamericana fixture against a Paraguayan side, followed by Brazilian league games against Bragantino and Coritiba, as well as a Copa do Brasil clash against Coritiba. These matches may represent his final opportunity to prove himself to the national team and Ancelotti, but for now, it remains uncertain whether he can turn the situation around.