20 May 2026 14:54 BST | 4 min read
Joao Pedro, Brazil
© IMAGO
Robin Bairner
Robin Bairner | Chief Editor
Accredited football journalist and editor covering the game since 2006
Joao Pedro’s extended family and friends gathered expectantly round the television to see the Chelsea striker’s name left off the list for Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil World Cup squad is one that has been viewed millions of times on social media.
The 24-year-old, who scored 15 goals in 34 Premier League games for the Blues this season, will likely be one of the highest-profile players omitted from the competition by the choice of his coach.
While competition to make Brazil’s World Cup squad was always likely to be intense, it’s the fact that Neymar was named in the squad ahead of him that has really sparked controversy.
Neymar’s downward spiral
The world’s most expensive player has seen his star gradually fall over the last decade. After an injury-hit spell at PSG, he moved to Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal, where he spent 18 months attempting to overcome an ACL injury.
Signed for €90m by the Saudi club, he was ultimately released for nothing and allowed to move back to Brazil with Santos.
Neymar’s opportunity for redemption in his homeland seemed to have passed him by, though. He has been troubled by persistent injury issues, a struggling team that only just avoided relegation, and an endless stream of controversy.
The 34-year-old has featured in just half of Santos’ Serie A matches this season, while he has picked up more bookings than goals in the 15 games he has played.
And yet, he was always destined to travel to North America this summer ahead of Joao Pedro, despite having never previously been used by Ancelotti.
Neymar has struggled for fitness at Santos
© IMAGO - Neymar has struggled for fitness at Santos
Casemiro leads plot
The reasons for Neymar’s presence in Brazil’s World Cup squad, and therefore Joao Pedro’s absence, have been outlined by Sport.
The Spanish source explains: “Neymar Jr. will play in his fourth World Cup not because of what he has shown on the pitch over the past year and a half with Santos, nor as a tribute to the weight of his CV (as is the case with Cristiano Ronaldo in Portugal), but rather due to the intervention of his teammates in the Selecao.
“They were able to influence a malleable coach like Carlo Ancelotti, whose main strength lies in managing the dressing room rather than in his tactical approach.”
The former Chelsea manager, the report claims, was railroaded into making the decision by a group of players led by Danilo, Alex Sandro and Casemiro into picking Neymar. They were supported by the likes of Raphinha and Marquinhos, who “explicitly requested the inclusion of the No.10 and assured the coach they will keep him under control”.
Carlo Ancelotti names Neymar in Brazil's World Cup squad
© IMAGO - Carlo Ancelotti names Neymar in Brazil's World Cup squad
Reaction to Joao Pedro decision
Ancelotti explained his decision: “They say European football is more intense, but playing football here in Brazil is very complicated. There’s a tight schedule, travel, heat - it's difficult to compare them.
“Then there are the individual characteristics of the players.
“We are sad for Joao Pedro. Given the season he had with Chelsea, he probably deserved it, but unfortunately, with all respect, we chose other players.”
The Chelsea striker reacted in a pragmatic manner on social media, writing:
“I tried to give my best at all times. Unfortunately, it wasn't possible to fulfil this dream of representing my country in a World Cup, but I remain calm and focused, as I always try to be. Joys and frustrations are part of football. From now on, I wish good luck to everyone who is there and I will be just another fan cheering for them to bring the sixth title home.”
There may yet be a reprieve for the Chelsea striker. He could still get into the World Cup squad via the backdoor should someone drop out due to injury, and given Neymar’s recent record in this regard, that does not seem a bad bet.
Given his magnanimous behaviour in the most difficult of circumstances, he deserves it.