Former Real Madrid defender Danilo is not pleased with the treatment of Brazil's all-time top-scorer Neymar Junior by the country's fans. Neymar has 79 goals in 128 games for Brazil.
Neymar's exile from the national team
The 33-year-old has not represented his country for more than two years since suffering knee injury in a 2-0 FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifying defeat in Uruguay in October 2023.
Neymar's poor form since joining Santos
After cutting short his stint with Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal, Neymar returned to his boyhood club Santos in his native Brazil, amassing six goals and three assists in 23 games across all competitions. While the former Barcelona player has had some controversial things off the pitch, his national teammate Danilo said the country's fans should be treating Neymar better, telling GE (via Globo):
"I get very sad seeing our country, in a way, divided. Some want Neymar to do well, and there are those who crucified him in another way, who don't want him, don't like him. I'm sure that how he lives his life outside of football, his choices, can be debatable.
"It's everyone's business. And Neymar's even more so because of his stature. Now, on the field, I get very upset when we discuss Neymar's stature, whether he's at the level of A, B or C."
The 33-year-old made his senior Brazil debut in a friendly game against USA in August 2010, at the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti expresses his thoughts on Neymar's return
Brazil's head coach Carlo Ancelotti believes that he hopes the country's star forward Neymar Junior achieves his best physical condition soon to return to the national team.
Having not represented Brazil for two years, Neymar returned to his boyhood club Santos early this year, but his performance has been poor .
"Everyone wants Neymar to get back to his best physical condition," Ancelotti said. "Brazil's FA (CBF), the coach, the national team's technical staff, the players hope that Neymar can return to his best level.
"The truth is that today's football demands many things. Not only talent, but also physical condition, intensity ... hopefully Neymar will be at his best level."
Neymar last scored for the Selecao - brace (and an assist) in a 5-1 home win over Bolivia in a FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier in September 2023.