Brazil national team head coach Carlo Ancelotti has addressed the possibility of calling up Neymar for the upcoming FIFA World Cup, describing the forward as “an important player” while emphasizing that the final squad decision is far from straightforward.
Speaking to Brazilian media outlet ge, Ancelotti acknowledged Neymar’s quality and experience but stressed the complexity of choosing the World Cup roster. “He is a key figure, but the selection process is not a simple decision. We have to consider fitness, form, and team balance at that moment,” the Italian tactician said.
Neymar, currently recovering from a long-term knee injury sustained in 2023, recently returned to action for Al-Hilal. The 34-year-old has expressed strong desire to represent Brazil in his fourth World Cup, but Ancelotti’s comments suggest that no guarantee of inclusion exists.
The Brazilian coach also hinted that integrating Neymar into the squad would require assessing his physical readiness and tactical fit within the team. “We all know what Neymar can bring, but I need to see him consistently performing at his best. The door is open, but it’s not an easy call,” Ancelotti added.
With the World Cup just months away, Ancelotti’s pragmatic approach indicates that competition for places will be fierce, and Neymar must prove he can still deliver at the highest level.
