RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL — Despite prolonged absences due to injury and mounting speculation over his international future, the door to the Brazilian national team has not been completely shut on football legend Neymar. Brazil’s head coach, Carlo Ancelotti, has publicly acknowledged the superstar’s enduring talent while simultaneously laying out a pragmatic roadmap for his inclusion in the 2026 World Cup squad.
The veteran Italian coach, known for his clinical pragmatism, still regards the 33-year-old as a ‘legend’ of the Seleção. However, Ancelotti has stressed that the modern game demands more than just exceptional skill—it requires peak physical condition and intensity.
The path back for the all-time leading Brazilian goalscorer hinges entirely on two critical, non-negotiable factors. First, Neymar must achieve and maintain full physical recovery, demonstrating consistent club form and the conditioning required for the rigorous demands of international football.
Crucially, Ancelotti has suggested a tactical shift to help the veteran meet these demands. The coach believes a potential change in position, possibly moving Neymar from the wing into a less physically taxing, more central “false nine” role, could be advantageous. This adjustment would reduce his defensive responsibilities, allowing him to stay fit while maximizing his creative impact and goal-scoring opportunities closer to the opponent’s goal.
For the moment, Neymar’s reported ambition to play in his fourth World Cup remains his greatest ally in this uphill battle. But with Ancelotti already indicating that his final squad is “close” to being decided, time is quickly running out for the star to convince the coaching staff that he can once again be a decisive asset on football’s biggest stage.
