Joao Pedro received Chelsea’s Player of the Year award but was disappointed after learning he would not be selected for Brazil’s World Cup squad in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Carlo Ancelotti apologized to him after leaving him out and instead selecting Neymar. Joao Pedro scored 20 goals in all competitions during his debut season at Stamford Bridge and was a bright spot in a difficult Chelsea campaign. Ancelotti said comparisons between European and Brazilian football are complicated due to schedule, travel, heat, and player characteristics. He acknowledged Joao Pedro deserved a place based on his European season, but Brazil chose other players. Neymar’s fitness was evaluated after an ACL injury in 2023, and he had shown improved physical condition with Santos in 2026.
"Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti apologised to Joao Pedro after leaving the Chelsea forward out of his World Cup squad and instead selecting Neymar. Pedro was this morning named Chelsea's Player of the Year but that will do little to raise his spirits after finding out last night he would not be going to the summer showpiece in the United States, Canada and Mexico. The 24-year-old has scored 20 goals in all competitions in his debut season at Stamford Bridge and been one of the few positives in a difficult season for the West London club."
"Questioned on the decision, Ancelotti said: "I understand people say European football is different, more intense. We also talk about how playing football here [in Brazil] is very complicated. "There's the schedule, the travel, the heat. It's difficult to compare. Then there are the individual characteristics of the players. We feel sorry for Joo Pedro because, based on the season he had in Europe, he deserved to be on this list. "But with full awareness, respect, and competence, we chose other players. We feel very sorry for Joo Pedro, just like for all the others.""
"Neymar has not played for the Selecao since tearing an ACL in a World Cup qualifier against Uruguay on October 17, 2023. The 34-year-old, who remains Brazil's record scorer with 79 goals in 128 international appearances, has struggled to regain full fitness ever since but has played well for Santos in 2026, scoring six goals and providing two assists. "We evaluated Neymar throughout the year, and we saw that in this last period he played consistently and improved his physical condition," said Ancelotti. "We think he is an important player, and he will be an important pl"
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