Rogerio Micale, the coach who guided Brazil to Olympic gold, has questioned the way Carlo Ancelotti managed Neymar during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, comparing the Brazilian forward to Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Although Neymar announced his retirement from international football following Brazil’s heartbreaking elimination by Norway, Micale believes he should reconsider his decision and aim to play at the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
Speaking after Monday’s 1–1 draw between America-MG and Londrina, Micale expressed his disappointment with the way Ancelotti used his former player.
According to ESPN, the coach said he was surprised by the limited playing time Neymar received in the United States.
The forward arrived at the tournament carrying an injury and played only 14 minutes against Scotland and 23 minutes in Brazil’s 2–1 defeat to Norway in the Round of 16.
Although he converted a late penalty in that match, he was unable to prevent Brazil’s elimination, with Erling Haaland scoring the decisive goal that sent Norway through to the quarter-finals.
Micale believes a player of Neymar’s caliber deserved a much more significant role.
“For me, Neymar is Brazil’s best footballer. Who am I to question Ancelotti? But Neymar should have been used much better, just as Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Salah are utilized.
“I had the opportunity to work in Egypt, and I saw that there is an entire process dedicated to helping Salah perform at his very best,” he said.
Speaking about Neymar’s physical condition, Micale added:
“I think the biggest debate was whether he was 100 percent physically fit. A star player, someone who makes the difference, always has something special to offer. His mere presence has a positive impact on his teammates. I would never give up on Neymar.”
The coach hopes to see the forward wear the Brazil shirt once again.
“For the next cycle, I want to see Neymar back on the pitch. I buy a ticket to watch Neymar. There are many matches in Brazil that I wouldn’t attend, even if I were invited. But if Neymar is playing and is in at least decent physical condition, I’ll be in the stadium.
“Neymar is simply irreplaceable,” he concluded.
However, those hopes conflict with the player’s own decision.
Following Brazil’s disappointing elimination by Norway, an emotional Neymar announced his retirement from the Brazilian national team.
Speaking at MetLife Stadium, the venue where he made his Brazil debut in 2010, he said:
“I tried. I really tried. My journey with the national team began here at MetLife Stadium, and it also ends here. Now it’s over.”
