Neymar's future with the Brazilian national team hangs in the balance, and Carlo Ancelotti has just issued a stark warning that could shape the 2026 World Cup squad. The iconic forward, Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with 79 goals in 128 appearances, hasn’t donned the famous yellow jersey since October 2023, when a devastating knee injury sidelined him during a World Cup qualifier against Uruguay. But here’s where it gets controversial: despite his legendary status, Ancelotti has yet to call Neymar up since taking the helm of the Selecao, leaving fans and pundits alike wondering if the door is truly still open.
Neymar’s journey back to fitness has been anything but smooth. After a lengthy recovery, his contract with Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal was terminated, allowing him to return to his boyhood club, Santos. However, recurring fitness issues have plagued the 33-year-old playmaker, preventing him from reclaiming his spot in the national team. Ancelotti has been clear: Neymar has six months to prove his worth, both in terms of form and physical condition, before the final World Cup squad is announced. And this is the part most people miss: Ancelotti isn’t just looking for talent—he’s demanding intensity, consistency, and a position change. The Italian tactician believes Neymar’s best chance lies in playing centrally, possibly as a false 9, rather than on the wing, where defensive duties could expose his current limitations.
But is this the right call? Neymar’s recent performances at Santos have been a mixed bag. While he’s managed six goals and three assists in 24 appearances this season, thigh injuries continue to disrupt his progress. His last standout moment? A shock victory against Palmeiras that lifted Santos out of the relegation zone. Yet, with his contract expiring soon and rumors of a potential reunion with Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez at MLS side Inter Miami swirling, Neymar’s future remains uncertain. Will he do enough to convince Ancelotti, or is his international career nearing its end?
Ancelotti’s stance is firm: Neymar is on the radar, but there’s no room for mistakes. “We just have to observe him and other players so as not to make mistakes in the final list,” he told reporters. But the question lingers—can Neymar adapt to the demands of modern football and reclaim his spot, or is this the beginning of the end for Brazil’s once-unstoppable No. 10? Let us know what you think in the comments—is Neymar still Brazil’s best bet, or is it time to move on?
