Ancelotti Consults Brazil President on Neymar World Cup Call-Up
- Brazil national team head coach Carlo Ancelotti has consulted President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva regarding the potential inclusion of Neymar in the squad for the 2026 World...
- President Lula revealed the interaction during a live broadcast on his YouTube channel.
- During the conversation, Lula emphasized that while Neymar possesses the necessary skill, his selection must be based on professionalism and physical readiness rather than his reputation.
Brazil national team head coach Carlo Ancelotti has consulted President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva regarding the potential inclusion of Neymar in the squad for the 2026 World Cup. The move comes as the 34-year-old forward continues to struggle with fitness issues while playing for Santos FC.
President Lula revealed the interaction during a live broadcast on his YouTube channel. According to the Brazilian leader, Ancelotti reached out to gauge the political and public sentiment surrounding Neymar’s return to the Selecao.
Presidential Advice on Selection
During the conversation, Lula emphasized that while Neymar possesses the necessary skill, his selection must be based on professionalism and physical readiness rather than his reputation.
Look, Ancelotti, if he’s physically fit, he’s got the football. What I need to know is whether he actually wants it. If he does, then he has to be professional. He can look at someone like Cristiano Ronaldo, he can look at [Lionel] Messi, and still go to the national team, because he’s not old yet. But he can’t expect to go just on his name. He has to earn it on the pitch.
President Lula
The president’s comments highlight the immense pressure and state-level importance attached to the forward’s international future as Brazil prepares for the tournament in North America.
Fitness and Performance Criteria
Despite the consultation with the head of state, Carlo Ancelotti has maintained that his final decision will be rooted in performance and medical readiness. The Italian manager has stated that reputation alone will not secure a place on the plane.
Neymar’s availability has been severely hampered by recurring injuries. Most recently, the forward underwent surgery for a knee injury in December 2025.
Ancelotti has reiterated a strict policy regarding the squad’s physical condition, stating I will only call up players who are physically ready
.
Timeline for Evaluation
While the door remains open, Neymar faces a rigorous evaluation process. The coach confirmed that the forward is currently being assessed by both himself and the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF).
Ancelotti noted that Neymar is capable of coming back
and has a window of two months to demonstrate that he possesses the fitness required to compete at the highest level in the upcoming World Cup.
This evaluation period follows a difficult stretch for the player, whose appearances have been limited since October 2023 due to injuries. Neymar has dealt with off-field scrutiny following comments made toward referee Savio Pereira Sampaio.
The decision remains a critical point of contention for the Brazil camp, balancing the undeniable talent of a superstar with the physical demands of a modern World Cup tournament.