Neymar 'surprised' by Gabriel Martinelli's inclusion in Brazil squad

Fans claim Neymar ‘seems surprised’ by Gabriel Martinelli’s inclusion in Brazil’s World Cup squad, as fans pick apart his reaction in clip of himself watching the announcement on TV

  • Gabriel Martinelli has been included in the Brazil squad for the Qatar World Cup
  • Neymar was seen in a video looking ‘surprised’ by the Arsenal players inclusion 
  • The PSG forward is seen raising his eyebrows as Martinelli’s name is called out 
  • Roberto Firmino missed a call-up while Martinelli has three senior Brazil caps

Neymar Jr’s ‘surprised’ reaction to Gabriel Martinelli’s inclusion to the Brazil World Cup squad is going viral.

The Arsenal youngster, alongside teammate Gabriel Jesus, both beat established Brazilian forward Roberto Firmino to secure a place in Tite’s 26-man squad which was announced on Monday. 

During the announcement, the 21-year-old’s inclusion seemed to be met with surprise from compatriot, Neymar, who seemed to raise his eyes when Martinelli’s name was read out during a live television announcement. 

Gabriel Martinelli (pictured) has been called up to the Brazil World Cup Squad for Qatar

Neymar’s (pictured) ‘surprised’ reaction to Martinelli’s call-up has attracted some attention 

Neymar, meanwhile, filmed himself watching the announcement live with family and friends and nodded his head when Jesus’ name was read out on the television. 

But when Martinelli’s name was read out the PSG forward’s reaction was interesting to say the least. 

Brazil boss Tite (pictured) announced his squad of 26 players on Monday, omitting Firmino

The Arsenal left-winger has just three senior caps for his nation, playing just 81 minutes across three games for the Selecao, making his senior debut in a friendly against Japan back in June. 

Having also amassed only three caps for the U23 side, Martinelli does lack some international experience, but it seems the Brazil boss is ready to bring the young-star into the fold after a rip-roaring few seasons with the Gunners. 

After joining the club back in 2019, Martinelli has become a favourite at the Emirates, yielding five goals and two assists in 13 Premier League appearances already this season. 

While he perhaps deserves a call-up following his fine form, Neymar’s ‘shocked’ reaction was something to note and perhaps could signal that the pressure is now on the Brazil superstar. 

Neymar (centre) looked surprised when Gabriel Martinelli’s name was announced 

Some fans have taken to Twitter to voice their opinion’s on what Neymar’s reaction means, with the former Brazil captain then showing his elation with his family at the inclusion of his own name on the list. 

One fan wrote on Twitter: ‘Neymar’s reaction to Tite’s call up. You can tell he was happy for Gabriel Jesus & surprised about Martinelli.’ 

‘His face when they said Martinelli,’ another added. 

Other Twitter users questioned whether Neymar’s reaction was one of concern as Martinelli, who like the PSG super star also plays on the left-wing, could look to usurp the former Brazil captain in the coming years. 

One user said: ‘He [Neymar] realises he has competition’, while another wrote, ‘Neymar knows Martinelli has huge potential.’

Another said: ‘It’s in his eyes, Neymar rates Martinelli. LOOK.’

Notable omissions to the Brazil squad include Phillippe Coutinho, who was ruled out this week with an injury, Firmino who has not played for Brazil since last year and Arsenal defender Gabriel.

Brazil’s 26-Man World Cup Squad 

Goalkeepers: Alisson (Liverpool), Ederson (Manchester City), Weverton (Palmeiras)

Defenders: Dani Alves (UNAM), Danilo (Juventus), Alex Sandro (Juventus), Alex Telles (Sevilla), Bremer (Juventus), Eder Militao (Real Madrid), Marquinhos (PSG), Thiago Silva (Chelsea)

Midfielders: Casemiro (Manchester United), Everton Ribeiro (Flamengo), Bruno Guimaraes (Newcastle), Fabinho (Liverpool), Fred (Manchester United), Lucas Paqueta (West Ham)

Forwards: Antony (Manchester United), Gabriel Jesus (Arsenal), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal), Neymar (PSG), Pedro (Flamengo), Raphinha (Barcelona), Rodrygo (Real Madrid), Richarlison (Tottenham Hotspur), Vinicius Jr (Real Madrid).

 




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