Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti has indicated that Neymar remains in contention for selection at the upcoming FIFA World Cup, despite persistent doubts over his fitness and continued omission from recent national team squads.
Since taking charge of Brazil, Ancelotti has yet to include Neymar in any matchday selection, fuelling speculation that the forward’s international future may be in jeopardy. However, the Italian manager has now struck a more optimistic tone, underlining that World Cup selection will depend solely on physical readiness 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.”
Growing External Pressure
Despite the coach’s firm stance, pressure is mounting from supporters and sections of the Brazilian press for Neymar to be reinstated 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 national set-up.
Ancelotti acknowledged Neymar’s enduring influence on Brazilian football, praising both his legacy and his continued significance to the national team’s identity.
“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 Struggles and Recovery Process
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 an intensive rehabilitation programme aimed at restoring full match sharpness.
More recently, he has also undergone an additional medical procedure during the latest international window, with Brazil’s medical staff prioritising a cautious recovery plan to ensure he is not rushed back prematurely or exposed to further injury risks.
Ancelotti noted that Neymar’s progress has been encouraging, highlighting his return to scoring form and gradual improvement in physical condition. However, he stressed that consistency over time will be crucial in determining whether the forward can realistically be considered for World Cup selection.
Return to Full Match Fitness
Although his appearances have been limited for both the national side and his club Santos FC, Neymar recently completed a full 90-minute performance in their 1–0 victory over Atlético Mineiro. The outing is being viewed internally as an important step forward in his recovery and match fitness.
Coaching Assessment of Progress
Santos head coach Cuca also offered a measured but positive assessment of Neymar’s rehabilitation, pointing to 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 develop.”
However, he cautioned that Neymar’s workload must still be carefully managed. “Playing 90 minutes is still a risk,” he added. “We need to assess carefully whether he can sustain that level consistently.”
Selection Decision Approaching
With the World Cup approaching, Neymar’s situation remains one of the most closely followed narratives in Brazilian football. While his technical ability and experience remain unquestioned, his inclusion will ultimately depend on whether he can maintain sustained fitness at elite level.
For Ancelotti, the position remains clear: reputation alone will not secure a place in the squad. Only full physical readiness will determine whether Brazil’s most high-profile star earns the opportunity to appear once again on football’s biggest stage.