OneFootball asks: Which absences from the list disappointed most? | OneFootball

Neymar was not among the 26 players called up for the friendlies against France and Croatia.

But which other players could Ancelotti have called up this Monday?

Several were unavailable. Cases like Rodrygo (already out of the World Cup), Militão (still hasn’t returned to play for Real), and the injured Bruno Guimarães, Estêvão, Vanderson, and Caio Henrique.

🤔 Out of the National Team, Neymar scores a penalty but his team loses in the Kings League

Ancelotti talks about new faces and attributes Neymar’s absence to physical aspects

See below for other athletes who were left out and comment if anyone else deserved an opportunity. 

Paquetá

📸 MAURO PIMENTEL - AFP or licensors

The most expensive signing in the history of Brazilian football is still struggling to truly "find himself" at Flamengo.

His absence from Monday’s list casts doubt on a call-up that once seemed very likely. 

He has eight goals and one assist between West Ham and Flamengo since last August.

Hugo Souza

📸 Heuler Andrey - 2026 Getty Images

His status as a key player at Corinthians remains intact. He is still a strong candidate for one of the three goalkeeper spots, but saw Ederson return to the competition.

Richarlison

📸 Carl Recine - 2026 Getty Images

Well known to Ancelotti from their Everton days, the “Pigeon” recovered from injury and came back strong. Tottenham’s current form doesn’t help, but he has two goals and one assist in his last three games.

Paulo Henrique

📸 Lucas Figueiredo - 2025 Getty Images

Vasco’s right-back even scored a goal for the National Team against Japan last year. But he isn’t having a great 2026. 

Igor Jesus

📸 OZAN KOSE - AFP or licensors

His first season at Nottingham Forest has seen him score 12 goals in 40 matches so far. With seven goals, he is the top scorer of the Europa League. 

Kaio Jorge

📸 Pedro Vilela - 2025 Getty Images

Top scorer of the Brasileirão and Copa do Brasil last year, Cruzeiro’s number 19 has already claimed the top scorer spot in the Mineiro. But competition in his position has grown considerably.

Pedro

📸 Wagner Meier - 2026 Getty Images

The arrival of Leonardo Jardim has solidified Flamengo’s center-forward among the starting eleven. His mission is to stay physically fit, string together a good run of games, and overcome ever-increasing competition. He has eight goals in fourteen matches this year.

Antony

📸 CRISTINA QUICLER - AFP or licensors

Estêvão’s injury would have been “good news” for him, but Rayan started to draw attention and the Betis striker was left out.

He’s having a great season at the Andalusian club. He has 11 goals and nine assists in 34 matches.

Joelinton

📸 George Wood - 2026 Getty Images

He was injured during the last international break and played 32 minutes in Brazil’s loss to Japan. He still hasn’t managed any standout performances when called up. 

Murillo

He was negatively remembered for his below-par performance in the loss to Argentina in March last year. He remains more than essential at Forest.

📸 Molly Darlington - 2026 Getty Images

Gabriel Jesus

📸 James Fearn - 2026 Getty Images

After recovering from a serious injury, Arsenal’s number 9 has been used frequently by Arteta at the Premier League leaders. He has four goals and one assist since the turn of the year.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.

📸 PABLO PORCIUNCULA - AFP or licensors