“Ney deserved to go to the World Cup: he cannot be replaced, he is a unique player for his qualities,” Ancelotti said.

Former Liverpool playmaker Philippe Coutinho has joined Santos, teammate Neymar announced on Saturday, although his new club has yet to officially confirm the move.

Brazil will face Australia in Townsville on September 25 and Brisbane on September 29 before taking on India in Kolkata on October 3.

When Santos beat Vasco 3-0 on Monday, the rule was invoked for the first time in the Brazilian top flight when keeper Gabriel Brazao requested medical attention.

The comments come at an interesting moment in Neymar’s career, with the Brazil forward having recently brought his international future into focus.

For now, it is only a possibility. But it is one that has been impossible for football fans to ignore.

Brazil forward Neymar has brushed aside his father's suggestion that he could still return to the national team for the 2030 World Cup, insisting the decision rests with him alone.

Neymar, Casemiro and Danilo will no longer be in Brazil's plans as they look to build a younger squad for the 2028 Copa America, coach Carlo Ancelotti told Brazilian broadcaster ge.

Neymar appeared to confirm his retirement from international soccer, saying he no longer wanted to play for Brazil, weeks after suggesting his international career had ended following their World Cup last-16 loss to Norway.

Brazilian superstar Neymar's future at Santos appears increasingly uncertain, with reports suggesting his contract is unlikely to be extended beyond its expiry in December 2026 amid mounting tensions within the club.

Neymar responded to criticism over his appearance at a poker tournament in the best way he knew how -- by scoring twice for Santos before mocking his detractors with a card-dealing goal celebration.

The 34-year-old came under fire after photos emerged of him taking part in a poker tournament in Sao Paulo on Tuesday, the same day Santos thrashed Venezuela's Universidad Central de Venezuela (UCV) 4-1 in the first leg of their Copa Sudamericana play-off for a place in the round of 16.

Together they have amassed decades of experience at the highest international level, with World Cup titles, triumphs in continental competitions, and unforgettable moments on the game’s biggest stage.

The Spanish wunderkid believes his best performances come when the stakes are highest.

The 34-year-old was moved to tears after the match.

During the 1982 World Cup, a 22-year-old Diego Maradona was beginning to reveal the extraordinary talent that would eventually make him one of football's greatest players. Standing in his way was Italy centre-back Claudio Gentile -- ironically anything but gentle.

After surviving a tough opening knockout battle against Japan, Brazil are set for another stern challenge as they take on Norway in their FIFA World Cup Round of 16 match at New York New Jersey Stadium tonight.

Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti said Neymar is unhappy he has had such a limited role at the World Cup but has handled the situation professionally and remains a positive influence within the squad.

The 33-year-old, Brazil’s all-time leading scorer, had made an emotional return to the national team in their final group match against Scotland last week, coming on in the 76th minute for a 14-minute cameo after a lengthy absence.

Brazil survived a World Cup last-32 scare when they fought back to beat Japan 2-1 after Gabriel Martinelli squeezed in a shot at the far post deep in stoppage time on Monday.