Ancelotti Keeps Neymar World Cup Hopes Alive

Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti has indicated that Neymar still has a realistic chance of breaking into the national squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup, despite ongoing uncertainty over his fitness and recent omission from selection plans.

Since taking charge of Brazil, Ancelotti has yet to include Neymar in any matchday squad, fuelling speculation that the forward’s international future may be in doubt. However, the Italian manager has now offered a more optimistic assessment, stressing that selection will ultimately depend on physical readiness rather than reputation.

“I have said it many times and I will say it again,” Ancelotti stated. “I will call only those players who are fully fit and physically ready.”

Public Pressure and National Expectation

Despite the cautious stance from the coaching staff, there is growing public and media pressure for Neymar to be included in Brazil’s World Cup plans. During Brazil’s 2–1 defeat to France last month, sections of the crowd reportedly chanted his name, urging his return to the national set-up.

Ancelotti acknowledged Neymar’s enduring status within Brazilian football, praising both his legacy and continued influence on the game.

“Neymar has made history in Brazilian football and continues to do so,” he said. “He is an extraordinary talent. People are right to believe he could help us win the next World Cup.”

Injury Recovery and Fitness Concerns

The forward’s recent fitness struggles have been central to his exclusion. Neymar underwent minor surgery on his left knee on 22 December last year, and has since been working through a structured rehabilitation programme.

More recently, he has also undergone an additional medical procedure during the latest international break, designed to improve his physical condition ahead of the tournament. Medical staff are reportedly focused on ensuring he reaches full match fitness without risking further setbacks.

Ancelotti noted that Neymar is progressing well in recovery, adding that he has begun scoring again and is moving in the right direction. However, he emphasised that consistency and sustained fitness levels will be crucial in determining his World Cup availability.

Return to Full Matches

Although Neymar has had limited appearances for both Brazil and his club side Santos FC in recent weeks, he completed a full 90 minutes in their 1–0 victory over Atlético Mineiro on Saturday. The performance is being viewed as a positive step in his gradual return to full match sharpness.

Coaching Assessment of Progress

Santos head coach Cuca also offered an encouraging update on Neymar’s rehabilitation, highlighting steady improvements in training intensity and match involvement.

“He is improving in every game,” Cuca said. “Even after training sessions, he is putting in extra work. His movement with the ball has improved significantly and will continue to get better.”

However, the coach also warned that managing his workload remains essential. “Playing 90 minutes is still a risk,” he added. “We need to assess carefully whether he can handle that consistently.”

Road to the World Cup

With the World Cup approaching, Neymar’s situation remains one of the most closely watched narratives in Brazilian football. While his talent and experience are unquestioned, his selection now hinges on whether he can maintain sustained fitness at the highest level.

For Ancelotti, the message remains clear: reputation alone will not guarantee a place in the squad. Only full physical readiness will determine whether Brazil’s all-time superstar earns a chance to feature on football’s biggest stage once again.