“Mbappé in shock over Ancelotti’s decision: ‘A World Cup without Neymar?'”

Kylian Mbappé, the dazzling star of the French national team and a name that resonates throughout the world of football, did not hide his astonishment at coach Carlo Ancelotti’s decision to leave Neymar out of the squad for Brazil’s preparation matches ahead of the World Cup. In striking statements made before the clash between Brazil and France in Boston, Mbappé emphasized the importance of the Brazilian star on the global football stage, underscoring that “I don’t see a World Cup without Neymar.”

The match, scheduled for this Thursday at 8 PM, marks the beginning of a series of three preparatory encounters aimed at fine-tuning the teams for the 2026 World Cup. The French forward did not hold back in praising his rival, stating that “you can never be a favorite against a team that has five stars on their shirt. Impossible. Brazil is the greatest football country.” With these words, Mbappé not only acknowledges Brazil’s historical greatness but also the significance of the matchup for France, which seeks to showcase its quality and potential in such a prestigious competition.

When asked whether the Brazilian national team aligns more with the figure of Vinícius Júnior or that of Neymar, Mbappé’s response was quick and jovial: “What a question [laughs]… I believe it can be both. Vini now needs to take a step up in the national team, but Neymar is Neymar. He is a tremendous player.” For him, the World Cup is the “competition of stars,” and Neymar remains one of the biggest stars present.

Mbappé’s admiration for Neymar is undeniable. “I played and learned a lot with him,” he stated, highlighting the impact that the Brazilian has had on his career. However, the young French talent also showed respect for Ancelotti’s decisions, acknowledging the authority of his former coach and reaffirming his belief that Neymar will prepare adequately for the World Cup.

With pressure mounting and expectations high, Neymar’s absence raises questions about how the Brazilian team will adapt without one of its key players. The outcome of this story is still unfolding, but one thing is certain: the presence of stars like Mbappé and Neymar in the World Cup is crucial for the magic of the tournament. The fight for the trophy promises to be intense and electrifying, and the absence of either player could completely change the course of the competition.

This article first appeared on Apito Final.