Casemiro disagrees with manager and calls for team-mate’s return from exile
Manchester United talisman Casemiro has made a big statement by calling on his manager to reverse his decision and recall a household name
Casemiro has spoken out against his manager’s decision(Image: Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Casemiro has risked the wrath of Carlo Ancelotti after campaigning for Neymar to be reinstated in the Brazil squad. Ancelotti drew ire from many fans for omitting Neymar from his latest selection, with Manchester United’s Casemiro among those to disagree with the decision.
Neymar, 34, has been on a downward slope since re-joining boyhood club Santos in 2025. The attacker continues to shine in brief individual moments but the club has nevertheless become embroiled in a battle against relegation from the Brasileiro Serie A.
Ancelotti has not been convinced enough to retain the veteran’s talents ahead of what is likely to be his last chance to feature in a World Cup. However, this does not sit well with Casemiro, who was part of the team that lost 2-1 to France in a friendly on Thursday.
“We know how good Neymar is,” he said following defeat to Les Bleus. “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.”
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The former Real Madrid star acknowledged he won’t be responsible for whether Neymar is at World Cup 2026. That decision rests solely 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 resurgence at United, was not the only one to address Neymar’s omission. The team were 2-0 down when Brazilian fans in the Gillette Stadium began chanting, “Ole, ole, ole, Neymar, Neymar,” in the 65th minute.
Brazil failed to record a statement victory over France on US soil. France took the lead through Kylian Mbappe and Hugo Ekitike, with Bremer’s late goal unable to inspire a Brazilian comeback.
While fan sentiment was clear, Ancelotti brushed off questions about Neymar. The veteran manager preferred to discuss those he had picked, having started the game with a quartet of forwards in Raphinha, Matheus Cunha, Vinicius Junior and Gabriel Martinelli.
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“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.”
On Brazil’s overall performance, 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, earning his 83rd cap for Brazil and captaining his country. Meanwhile, Cunha featured for 71 minutes before being replaced by Brentford striker Igor Thiago. Brazil are now preparing to face Croatia in Orlando, Florida next week.