Condition Set for Neymar’s Return to the Brazil Squad

Since assuming charge of the Brazilian national team, legendary coach Carlo Ancelotti has announced his squad on two occasions. Both times, Neymar Jr. was absent – first due to injury, and most recently, according to Neymar, for tactical reasons, though Ancelotti cited fitness concerns. This difference in opinion has sparked debate, and now Ancelotti has once again stressed the non-negotiable condition for Neymar’s return: full fitness.

Neymar’s Career Milestones and Struggles

• September 2023: Became Brazil’s all-time top scorer with 79 goals.
• October 2023: Suffered an ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) injury, sidelining him for almost a year.
• 2024–25 Season: Returned to football via Al-Hilal, later moving back to his boyhood club Santos.
• Current Status: Despite his comeback at club level, the 33-year-old forward has yet to be recalled to the national squad.

Neymar’s career, from his days at Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, has been plagued by recurring injuries, which continue to disrupt the latter stages of his playing years.

Brazil played their final two World Cup qualifiers in September 2025. Neymar was included in the preliminary squad, but just two days before the matches, he was excluded from the final line-up due to concerns about his fitness.

• Ancelotti’s explanation: Injury and physical readiness issues.
• Neymar’s stance: Purely a technical decision by the coach, unrelated to his health.

“The reason for leaving me out was completely tactical. It had nothing to do with my physical condition. It was the coach’s choice, and I respect that,” Neymar said.

In a recent interview with ESPN, Ancelotti once more underlined that fitness is paramount: “We are not going to evaluate Neymar’s talent – everyone knows what he can do. But in modern football, talent alone is not enough; physical condition is key. If Neymar is at his best fitness level, there will be no issue with him returning to the national team. Everyone wants to see Neymar fully healthy in the Brazil squad. This is something I have already discussed with him.”

Ancelotti recalled a conversation with Neymar in June 2025, during his first squad announcement as Brazil coach: “Before the Paraguay match, Neymar came to the hotel. I told him then he must be fully fit and ready for the World Cup. I made it clear how important he is for Brazil. I can use him either as an attacking midfielder or as a striker, but only centrally. In modern football, forwards must have physical strength. This is crucial. Without issues, Neymar can certainly play as an attacking midfielder.”

Brazil Under Ancelotti

• Contract: Initially signed for 1 year, with the aim of reclaiming the World Cup in 2026 (to be held in the USA, Mexico, and Canada).
• Record so far: 4 matches → 2 wins, 1 draw, 1 loss.
• Challenge: Brazil are entering the next World Cup after their worst qualifying campaign in history.

Despite the short-term agreement, the Italian coach has hinted at a longer stay: “I am contracted for one year. After the World Cup, everything is open. If the CBF wants to continue the journey with me, there is no problem. My family and I are happy here. We will talk, and if I can stay until 2030, that would be wonderful.”

Neymar–Ancelotti Timeline