Ex-Keeper Velloso Condemns Neymar’s World Cup Recall, Slams João Pedro Snub

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Former Brazil keeper Fernando Velloso has slammed Carlo Ancelotti’s decision to call up Neymar for the 2026 World Cup while overlooking Chelsea striker João Pedro. He called the squad choice a "complete travesty. Velloso argued that Neymar’s return to Santos and his selection of easier fixtures expose his waning form. "Pedro is the top scorer of everything. Neymar cannot even play against Recoleta," he said on a leading radio program. Ancelotti admitted the dressing room’s fondness for Neymar influenced his pick. Other in-form attackers, including Richarlison and Antony, were also left out.

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