Manchester United star Casemiro has called on his manager to reverse a major decision
Brazil and Manchester United midfielder Casemiro
Manchester United midfielder Casemiro has spoken about his manager's decision(Image: Maddie Meyer, Getty Images)
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Casemiro has risked upsetting Carlo Ancelotti after calling for Neymar to be brought back into the Brazil squad. Ancelotti faced criticism from numerous supporters for leaving Neymar out, with Manchester United's Casemiro among those questioning the decision.
Neymar, 34, has struggled since returning to boyhood side Santos in 2025. The forward still produces flashes of brilliance but the club has found itself dragged into a relegation scrap in the Brasileiro Serie A.
Ancelotti hasn't been persuaded to call up the veteran ahead of what's likely his final opportunity to appear at a World Cup. Yet this doesn't sit comfortably with Casemiro, who featured in the team that suffered a 2-1 defeat to France in a friendly on Thursday.
"We know how good Neymar is," the United midfielder said after the loss to France. "He is indispensable to any national team, and especially when he is in form, he is one of the best in the world. For my generation, he is one of the top three: Cristiano, Messi and Neymar."
The former Real Madrid star conceded that responsibility for Neymar being at the World Cup 2026 is out of his hands. That decision lies firmly with Ancelotti, as Casemiro continued: "It's not up to me to decide who they're going to call up."
The 34-year-old, who has enjoyed a recent revival at United, wasn't the only figure to weigh in on Neymar's absence. Brazil were 2-0 down when their supporters inside the Gillette Stadium began chanting, "Ole, ole, ole, Neymar, Neymar," in the 65th minute.
Brazil fell short of delivering a statement result against France on American soil. Didier Deschamps' side seized the initiative through Kylian Mbappe and Hugo Ekitike, with Bremer's late consolation goal insufficient to spark a Brazilian comeback.
While fans made their thoughts clear, Ancelotti dismissed questions surrounding Neymar. The experienced coach preferred to focus on those he had selected, having fielded an attacking quartet of Raphinha, Matheus Cunha, Vinicius Junior and Gabriel Martinelli.
"We should be talking about those who were here, who played, who gave their all, who stepped up, and who worked hard," Ancelotti said. "I am satisfied."
Neymar and Casemiro
Casemiro and Neymar have previously been Brazil teammates(Image: Simon Stacpoole/Offside, Offside via Getty Images)
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Reflecting on Brazil's overall display, he added: "I think today's game makes it very clear to me that we can compete with the best teams in the world. I have no doubt about that.
"We played against a very strong team with a lot of quality, and we competed until the very last moment, while the opponent was wasting time to secure the victory. I am convinced that we will fight for the World Cup with all our energy."
United midfielder Casemiro played 84 minutes, winning his 83rd cap for Brazil while wearing the captain's armband. Meanwhile, Cunha was in action for 71 minutes before making way for Brentford striker Igor Thiago. Brazil are now gearing up to take on Croatia in Orlando, Florida next week.
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