Legendary coach Carlo Ancelotti has already announced the squad twice after taking charge of the Brazil national team. Both times, Neymar Jr. did not make it to the squad due to injury. Although the last time, the star said that he was not called up for tactical reasons, not because of injury. This led to a disagreement between Neymar and the Brazil coach. Ancelotti has added the old conditions to his new national team.
In September 2023, Neymar became Brazil’s all-time leading scorer (79). He was sidelined for a year the following month after suffering an ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) injury. He then returned to his boyhood club Santos for Al-Hilal, but the 33-year-old forward has yet to return to the national team. The former Barcelona and PSG star has been plagued by injuries throughout his career. This has continued to hamper his form in recent years.
Brazil played the last two World Cup qualifiers this month (September). Neymar was in Ancelotti’s preliminary squad. But he was not included in the final squad after suffering an injury two days before the match. Ancelotti cited injury and fitness issues as the reason for this. But Neymar’s explanation was different, ‘The reason for my exclusion was purely technical. It has nothing to do with my physical condition. It’s the coach’s decision, and I respect that.’
In a recent interview with ESPN, the Brazil coach once again emphasized the need for 100 percent fitness. Ancelotti said, “We are not going to observe how Neymar plays, everyone knows about his talent. In modern football, to use your talent, you need to be in good physical condition. If his fitness is at its best, there will be no problem for him to enter the national team. Everyone wants Neymar to be in perfect health for the Brazil team. I have spoken to him about this before.”
Ancelotti announced the Seleção squad for the first time in June. He said, referring to his conversation with Neymar at the time, “He (Neymar) came to the hotel before the Paraguay match. There I also talked about his fitness and being fully prepared for the World Cup. I told him how important he is for Brazil. I can take him as an attacking midfielder or striker, he has to play in the center of the field. He can’t play outside of that, because modern football demands the physicality of forwards. This is important. He can play as an attacking midfielder without any problems.”
The former Real Madrid mastermind has signed a one-year contract as Brazil’s head coach. The main goal of the Seleção is to regain the title at the 2026 World Cup, which will be held in the United States, Mexico and Canada. However, Brazil is going into the upcoming tournament with the worst performance in World Cup qualifying in history. However, under Ancelotti, they have played only 4 matches, of which his students have won two, drawn one and lost one. Ancelotti believes that ‘preparing Brazil for the World Cup is something special’.
However, the Italian football expert has his eyes set on extending his contract with Brazil. Ancelotti wants to stay in charge of the five-time world champions until the 2030 World Cup, “I have a contract for one year. After the World Cup, everything is open. If the CBF wants to continue the journey with me, there is no problem. I am happy here and my family. We have the opportunity to talk (with the CBF), it would be wonderful (if I can stay until 2030).”
FAQ
Why is Neymar not in Brazil’s current squad?
Neymar has been left out mainly due to fitness and injury concerns. Coach Ancelotti insists players must be 100% fit.
Did Neymar say he was excluded for reasons other than injury?
Yes. Neymar stated that his exclusion was a tactical decision, not because of injury, though Ancelotti highlighted fitness issues.
What is Ancelotti’s condition for Neymar’s return?
Ancelotti has made it clear that Neymar must be in peak physical condition to be part of Brazil’s national team.
What position could Neymar play if he returns?
According to Ancelotti, Neymar could feature as an attacking midfielder or central striker, but not on the wings due to physical demands.
