Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti has suggested that Neymar remains in contention for a place at the upcoming FIFA World Cup, despite ongoing doubts over his fitness and his continued absence from recent national team selections.
Since assuming charge of Brazil, Ancelotti has not yet named Neymar in any of his matchday squads, prompting widespread speculation that the forward’s international career could be approaching a critical juncture. However, the Italian manager has now adopted a more hopeful tone, reiterating that selection will be based strictly on physical condition rather than reputation or past achievements.
“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.”
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Public Pressure and National Sentiment
Despite the manager’s firm stance, pressure is mounting from supporters and sections of the Brazilian media for Neymar to be reintegrated into the national set-up ahead of the tournament. During Brazil’s 2–1 defeat to France last month, sections of the crowd were heard chanting his name, calling for his return to the squad.
Ancelotti acknowledged Neymar’s lasting importance to Brazilian football, praising both his legacy and his continued relevance to the national 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 Ongoing Rehabilitation
Neymar’s exclusion has largely been attributed to a series of injury setbacks. The forward underwent minor surgery on his left knee on 22 December last year and has since been following a carefully managed rehabilitation programme aimed at restoring full match fitness.
More recently, he has also undergone an additional medical procedure during the latest international window, with medical staff focused on ensuring he is fully prepared for the demands of tournament football while avoiding further injury relapse.
Ancelotti noted that Neymar’s recovery trajectory is encouraging, stating that the forward has returned to scoring and is gradually regaining sharpness. However, he stressed that sustained fitness and consistency over time will be decisive factors in any World Cup selection decision.
Return to Full Match Action
Although his appearances have been limited for both the national side and his club Santos FC, Neymar recently completed a full 90 minutes in their 1–0 victory over Atlético Mineiro. The performance is being viewed internally as a significant milestone in his return to competitive match fitness.
Coaching Perspective on Progress
Santos head coach Cuca also provided a cautiously optimistic assessment of Neymar’s progress, highlighting steady improvements in training workload and on-field involvement.
“He is improving in every game,” Cuca said. “Even after training sessions, he is doing extra work. His movement with the ball has improved significantly and will continue to develop.”
However, he also warned that managing Neymar’s minutes remains essential. “Playing 90 minutes is still a risk,” he added. “We must carefully assess whether he can sustain that level consistently.”
World Cup Decision Looms
As the World Cup draws closer, Neymar’s situation remains one of the most closely scrutinised storylines in Brazilian football. While his technical ability and experience are beyond question, his place in the squad will ultimately depend on whether he can demonstrate sustained fitness at elite level.
For Ancelotti, the message remains unequivocal: reputation alone will not secure selection. Only full physical readiness will determine whether Brazil’s most high-profile star earns the opportunity to feature once again on football’s grandest stage.