Vampeta argued that Neymar has “zero chance” of performing at the World Cup given his present condition.
By Kehinde Okeowo
Former Paris Saint-Germain midfielder and ex-Brazil international, Vampeta, has faulted the inclusion of Neymar Jr in his country’s 2026 FIFA World Cup squad.
He condemned the move recently while speaking to Brazilian media outlet BNews, saying, “It took another player’s dream”.
Despite struggling with injuries, the former Barcelona star made Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti’s final squad list for this year’s World Cup.
Neymar missed Brazil’s 1-1 draw with Morocco last weekend because he is currently nursing a calf injury sustained on 17 May.
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Slamming the decision, Vampeta noted that the Santos forward’s inclusion in the squad took away another player’s opportunity.
He argued that Neymar has “zero chance of playing” or performing at the tournament, given that he sustained “a grade-two calf injury” before the competition began.
”[It] took the dream away from another player,” Vampeta said of the 34-year-old’s inclusion in the Brazil squad.
He added: “Neymar played his last match on May 17. In the first 16 days, Neymar has zero chance of playing; he has no condition whatsoever to step in and perform with a grade-two calf injury.
”With the World Cup, countries and nations fighting for the title, is Neymar going to be fit to play? No chance whatsoever.”
