Joao Pedro will regret what he said about Neymar following Brazil snub

Joao Pedro will not be going to the World Cup with Brazil after being left out of Carlo Ancelotti’s final 26-man squad.

Despite having a fantastic season that has included 20 goals and nine assists and earned the praise of Thiago Silva, the 24-year-old has failed to make Selecao’s final cut.

Ancelotti will take nine attackers to North America this summer, including Neymar, who was a surprise pick, but because of his own exclusion, Pedro may now regret campaigning for the Santos star to be selected.

Joao Pedro didn’t do himself any favours with Neymar comparison

Pedro was a fierce advocate for Ancelotti to include Neymar in Brazil’s final 26-man World Cup squad.

The Chelsea forward pushed for the former Barcelona and PSG forward to be on the plane this summer, but that sentiment may have cost him his own place.

Speaking to TNT Brasil earlier this year, as quoted by CNN Brasil, Pedro compared Neymar’s impact on the Brazil national team to Lionel Messi’s with Argentina.

“(I want) Neymar at the World Cup . Neymar is Neymar. Just like Messi is for Argentina, Neymar is for Brazil. Neymar is my idol. He’s a guy I didn’t have the opportunity to play with,” he said.

While neutral fans always want the most exciting players on the biggest stage, its hard not to feel Pedro.

Even though Chelsea haven’t had a good season, he’s been a standout performer, so his omission from this summer’s tournament feels cruel.

Pedro releases statement following Brazil snub

After learning he will not play at the 2026 World Cup, Pedro released a statement on his social media channels, admitting his ‘dream of representing’ his country had been crushed but promised to ‘remain calm and focused’.

“I tried to give my best at all times,” he said. “Unfortunately, it wasn’t possible to fulfil this dream of representing my country in a World Cup, but I remain calm and focused, as I always try to be.

“Joys and frustrations are part of football. From now on, I wish good luck to everyone who is there and I will be just another fan cheering for them to bring the sixth title home.”

Ancelotti provided some insight into his decision, suggesting players who play in South America are better suited to the brutal climate.

“I understand that they say that European football is different, more intense, but you have to consider a lot of things,” the 66-year-old said.

“To play here (in Brazil) is very difficult; you have a tight schedule, trips, the heat… Obviously, I am sad for Joao Pedro, who for the season he made in Europe probably deserved to be in this list, but sadly, with all the consciousness, respect, and competence, we chose other players.”

Estevao is another Chelsea player who won’t be in action for Brazil this summer after the young star suffered a torn hamstring against Manchester United in April.