Ancelotti Confident in Neymar’s World Cup Spot if Fit and Ready

Brazil’s coach, Carlo Ancelotti, emphasized the importance of Neymar’s physical fitness for his potential inclusion in the national team for the upcoming World Cup. This comes after the 33-year-old forward was not selected for recent qualifiers.

Ancelotti excluded Neymar from the 23-man squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Chile and Bolivia, attributing the decision to a minor leg muscle injury. However, Neymar later stated that his exclusion was due to technical reasons.

The former star of Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain has not worn Brazil’s iconic yellow jersey since October 2023 when serious knee ligament injuries hindered his return.

“Everyone is aware of Neymar’s talent, so we are not going to monitor his gameplay,” Ancelotti mentioned to ESPN Brasil. “In modern football, a player must be physically fit to leverage their talent. If Neymar is in peak physical condition, he will definitely be part of the national team.”

Ancelotti encouraged Neymar, saying, “Everyone wants Neymar in the team in top form. I told him, ‘You have time to prepare adequately to contribute at the World Cup.'”

Since returning to his childhood club Santos from Saudi club Al-Hilal, Neymar has displayed moments of brilliance. Nevertheless, he faced challenges, notably leaving the field in tears after Santos’ 6-0 loss to Vasco da Gama.

Ancelotti envisions Neymar playing centrally as either an attacking midfielder or striker. “I spoke with him, and our objectives are clear,” he stated. “Neymar can’t play on the wings due to modern football’s emphasis on physicality in forwards. He can effectively play as an attacking midfielder.”

Brazil, having already secured a spot for the World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the United States, is set to play a friendly against South Korea in Seoul on October 10.

Published on September 13, 2025.