The 2026 World Cup is approaching, and a familiar name is at the center of a selection dilemma: Neymar. But will he make the cut for Brazil's squad? The legendary Carlo Ancelotti, former Real Madrid boss, has some strong opinions on the matter, and they might surprise you.
Neymar, a prolific goal-scorer with 79 goals in 128 appearances for Brazil, hasn't been seen in the famous yellow jersey since October 2023. A knee injury sustained during a World Cup qualifier against Uruguay has kept him on the sidelines. After a lengthy recovery, he returned to his boyhood club Santos, but fitness issues persist.
Ancelotti, now in charge of Brazil, has been vocal about Neymar's situation. Despite not yet calling him up, Ancelotti insists the door is open. But here's where it gets controversial—the Italian tactician is cautious, stating he won't make any 'mistakes' when selecting his final squad. This implies that Neymar's spot is not guaranteed, and his recent injury struggles could be a deciding factor.
Neymar's absence from Brazil's recent friendly against Tunisia raised questions. Ancelotti, aware of the global interest in Neymar's status, emphasized the importance of the upcoming months. He said, 'Neymar has six months to prove himself... We'll observe him and others to avoid mistakes.'
Ancelotti's vision for Neymar is clear—he wants the playmaker in the No.10 role. He believes Neymar's talent is best utilized centrally, closer to the goal, and with less defensive responsibility. But is this a risk Ancelotti is willing to take? And will Neymar's fitness hold up?
Adding to the intrigue, rumors suggest Neymar might move to MLS in 2026, reuniting with Messi and Suarez at Inter Miami. Could this potential move impact his World Cup chances?
As the clock ticks towards the World Cup, the Neymar saga continues. Will he reclaim his spot in the Brazil squad? Only time will tell, and Ancelotti's final decision is sure to spark debate. What do you think? Is Neymar's best position enough to secure his place, or does his injury history make him a liability?
