Neymar still matters for Brazil, and the loss to France made that clear

Neymar still matters for Brazil, and the loss to France made that clear

Brazil’s 2-1 loss to France in Foxborough was just a friendly, but it meant more than the score. The match exposed Brazil’s search for leadership, identity, and a key player, making Neymar’s absence even more apparent. France controlled key moments in front of 66,215 fans at Gillette Stadium. Kylian Mbappé set the tone, scored, and dominated focus even after Dayot Upamecano’s second-half red card. Brazil, despite Gleison Bremer’s goal, never applied enough pressure for a comeback.

The main takeaway: Brazil still lacks sharpness, leadership, and attacking clarity. Neymar’s absence is at the heart of that issue.

More than a selection decision

Neymar was left out of Carlo Ancelotti’s March squad to prioritize fully fit players. The 34-year-old hasn’t played since his knee injury in October 2023, and his fitness remains uncertain.

However, Brazil’s problem goes beyond just fitness. In France, the team lacked confidence in possession in the final third. Attacks developed without a clear focal point, and phases of control rarely translated into real danger. The issue was not access to the ball, but what to do with it once you had it.

France provided contrast. Mbappé was the key threat and playmaker, guiding the game. Brazil looked scattered, not organized.

The Neymar question, reframed

At this point in his career, Neymar isn’t expected to carry Brazil through a tournament anymore. That version of him is behind us. Now, Neymar’s value is in his fit within the team structure, not just his physical skills. He still shapes matches, especially in big moments, affecting spacing, decisions, and defenders’ reactions. Few Brazilians match his influence today.