Neymar Stripped Of Brazil Captaincy Ahead Of Copa America

By Max Wise

Paris Saint Germain forward Neymar has had the Brazil captain’s armband taken away from him ahead of next month’s Copa America, with Daniel Alves set to lead the side.

Neymar was named captain of the Brazil national team in September 2018 following their quarter-final FIFA World Cup exit at the hands of Belgium in Russia.

Brazil head coach Tite has however taken the decision to strip Neymar of the captaincy following a number of disciplinary issues at club level this season.

The former Santos and Barcelona forward has been handed both continental and domestic bans this year by UEFA and the French Football Authorities respectively for high profile disciplinary incidents.

Neymar was banned for three games by UEFA for a foul-mouthed rant at officials after Paris Saint Germain’s Champions League exit by Manchester United while he endured a similar ban for punching a fan after the French champions’ Coupe de France final loss to Rennes.

In a statement released on Monday, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) said: "Daniel Alves will be captain of the Brazilian national team in the friendly matches against Qatar and Honduras and in Copa America Brazil 2019."

"The decision was communicated to Neymar by Tite on Saturday."

Daniel Alves, who has been capped 138 times by Brazil, will lead the side as they host the Copa America in June.

Alves has captained Brazil on four occasions previously, with the latest coming in a 1-0 friendly win over Germany in March last year.

Brazil are in the same group with Bolivia, Venezuela and Peru, as they aim to win the Copa America for a ninth time.