‘Can’t imagine World Cup without Neymar’: Kylian Mbappe backs Brazil star amid Carlo Ancelotti snub debate

Kylian Mbappe has backed Neymar to prove his fitness ahead of the tournament, but he also supported his former coach, Carlo Ancelotti's decision.

Published on: Mar 26, 2026, 16:07:52 IST

Written by Neelav Chakravarti

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Kylian Mbappe has weighed in on his former teammate Neymar's international future. The Frenchman has stated that he can't imagine the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup without the Brazilian attacker. There has been mounting pressure on Carlo Ancelotti to recall Neymar.

Kylian Mbappe backed Neymar for 2026 World Cup selection. (REUTERS)

Mbappe has backed Neymar to prove his fitness ahead of the tournament, but he also supported his former coach, Ancelotti's decision.

Also Read: Carlo Ancelotti reacts to Neymar selection debate as Brazil legends rally amid World Cup snub fears

Speaking to Globo Esporte, he said, "The World Cup is the competition of the stars. All the stars are there, and for me Neymar is one of the greatest. I can't imagine a World Cup without Neymar. But in the end, I can't go against my former coach, Carlo Ancelotti. I have to respect his decision."

The Brazilian national team has also transitioned around Vinicius Jr., who is Mbappe's current Real Madrid teammate. "I think it can belong to both. Vini now needs to take another step with the national team, but Neymar is Neymar. He is a fantastic player," he said.

There are growing concerns over Neymar's fitness, which, according to reports, was the main reason for Ancelotti's snub. Despite that, Mbappe feels that the 34-year-old can make his way into Ancelotti's squad.

"For me, Neymar is a player who makes a difference. I played with him, I learned a lot from him. We have to see how he is, but I know him: he will be ready, he will be there," he said.

Neymar debuted for Brazil when he was 18 and, since then, has become the country's second-most capped player, only trailing Cafu. He is the nation's all-time top goalscorer with 79 goals. At the 2012 Olympics, he helped Brazil win the silver medal, and then won the FIFA Confederations Cup the following year, also earning the Golden Ball.

In the 2014 FIFA World Cup, an injury brought his campaign to a bittersweet end as Brazil was also thrashed in the semifinals by eventual winners Germany. Despite that, he was named in the Dream Team and also bagged the Bronze Boot. At the 2016 Olympics, he captained his country to its first Olympic gold medal.

In the 2021 Copa America, Brazil finished as runners-up, and he was jointly awarded the Best Player award.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Neelav Chakravarti
Neelav Chakravarti has been part of the digital sports team at Hindustan Times since 2022, where he covers a wide range of disciplines, including chess, cricket, football, and Olympic sports. Working in a fast-paced digital newsroom, he regularly handles live blogs, breaking updates, and trending stories, combining speed with clarity to keep readers informed in real time. Chess remains both a professional beat and a personal passion for Neelav, and he closely tracks major international tournaments, player narratives, and emerging talents. He is particularly fascinated by the patience, calculation, and strategic depth the game demands, often exploring the psychological side of competition in his writing. Beyond sports journalism, Neelav has a deep interest in visual storytelling and filmmaking, actively participating in film festivals and engaging with independent cinema. He is especially drawn to films that capture the subtleties of everyday life and human relationships, appreciating storytelling that balances realism with emotional depth. This creative interest complements his approach to sports coverage, where he enjoys highlighting the human stories behind performances and results. A history enthusiast by academic training, Neelav holds a bachelor’s degree in the subject and maintains a sustained interest in ancient and medieval Indian history, particularly in cultural and social transitions across eras. His curiosity about the past often shapes his perspective on contemporary narratives and long-form storytelling. When he isn’t tracking scores or developing storylines, Neelav enjoys spending time over the chessboard, relaxing with his cats, or listening to the Empire podcast by Anita Anand and William Dalrymple. He also enjoys reading long-form sports writing that explores the emotional and cultural layers of sport, while maintaining a quiet routine that balances reading, reflection, and occasional time with friends.Read More

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