Neymar’s Substitution Mix-Up vs Coritiba Stirs World Cup Buzz

Brazil – (Web Desk) – Brazil’s all-time top scorer Neymar found himself at the center of a Neymar substitution mix-up against Coritiba, just hours before coach Carlo Ancelotti was due to name his final World Cup squad. Santos lost the match 3-0, but the wrongful substitution grabbed all the headlines at the worst possible moment for the 34-year-old forward.

Despite the drama, Neymar spoke openly and calmly to reporters after the game. He said he feels physically great and has been getting better with every single match he plays. He also admitted the road to recovery was far from easy but stressed that he gave everything he had to prove his fitness.

Neymar did not hold back when talking about the public criticism he received during his long spell on the sidelines. He called most of it “nonsense” and said it was truly sad how people spoke about his condition without knowing the full story. He revealed he worked quietly at home while carrying the weight of that criticism on his shoulders.

The Brazilian star has been out of international football since 2023 after suffering a serious knee injury that kept him away for nearly a full year. His return to Santos gave him the platform he needed to show Ancelotti he still belongs at the highest level.

Neymar ended his post-match comments on a positive note. He said he is happy with his performances and trusts that Ancelotti will pick the 26 best players available for what he called “this battle.” That confidence speaks volumes about his current mindset.

Brazil enter the 2026 World Cup in North America chasing a record sixth world title. They are drawn in Group C alongside Morocco, Haiti, and Scotland, with the tournament running from June 11 to July 19.