Former Brazil World Cup champion Luizao, who played alongside Ronaldo Nazario, has made a strong assertion regarding Neymar Junior.
The Selecao is preparing for the 2026 World Cup under the guidance of Carlo Ancelotti, who has chosen not to include Neymar since taking on the role of head coach.
Ancelotti has pointed to Neymar’s unfitness as the justification for this decision, with the Italian manager acknowledging that the former Barcelona star will be considered for selection if he demonstrates that he is fully fit.
Neymar has committed to giving his utmost effort in his quest to be reinstated to the national team prior to the World Cup in June.
However, Luizao, who was part of the World Cup-winning team in 2002, contends that the Santos forward lacks the ambition to secure a place in the squad.
Luizao highlighted how his former teammate Ronaldo Nazario overcame injuries to participate in the 2002 World Cup, ultimately leading to victory.
He believes that Neymar has not exhibited the same level of determination to be included in the squad as Ronaldo did in the past.
During an appearance on ‘World Champion with Galvao’ on the N Sports channel, as reported by Goal, Luizao expressed, “I believe Neymar does not wish to attend the World Cup. Come on Galvao, when we truly desire it, as Ronaldo did…
“I would approach the coach for a discussion, and the coach would reach out to him. When we truly want it, we pursue it.”
Brazil is set to announce their roster for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in May.
The South American giants will also engage in two friendly matches against Panama and Egypt before their opening match in Group C against Morocco.