SouthernWorldwide.com – Brazilian national football team coach Carlo Ancelotti is reportedly grappling with a significant decision regarding the inclusion of star player Neymar in the squad for the 2026 World Cup.
The Italian tactician is said to be carefully weighing Neymar’s legendary status and undeniable talent against his recent struggles with fitness as the tournament draws closer.
Ancelotti has indeed placed Neymar on a provisional 55-man list for the competition. However, this number will be reduced to a final squad of 26 players when it is announced on May 18.
At 34 years old, Neymar is widely acknowledged as one of the most gifted players to have ever emerged from Brazilian football. Despite this, his place in the 2026 World Cup squad is far from guaranteed.
Following a difficult period with Al Hilal and persistent injury issues, Neymar’s return to Santos has offered glimpses of his former brilliance. Nevertheless, lingering questions remain about his competitive intensity and readiness.
“When you have to choose, you need to take many things into consideration,” Ancelotti stated in an exclusive interview with Reuters.
“Neymar is an important player for this country because of the talent he has always shown. He has had some problems, and he is working hard to recover. He has improved a lot recently and is playing regularly. Obviously, for me it’s not an easy decision. We have to carefully weigh the pros and cons, but that doesn’t put pressure on me. We’ve been evaluating not only Neymar, but all the players, for a year now.”
A critical factor for Ancelotti is the overall harmony within the squad.
The coach, renowned for his exceptional man-management skills, understands that the presence or absence of a prominent figure like Neymar can significantly alter the collective dynamic of the team.
Ancelotti has pointed out that his teammates have made it clear they desire Neymar’s presence in the squad, a sentiment he values when assessing the internal atmosphere of the Brazilian National Team.
“I know perfectly well that Neymar is very well-liked, not only by the public, but also by the players,” Ancelotti remarked.
“That’s also a factor, because we have to take into account the atmosphere that will surround Neymar’s call-up. It’s not like I’m going to drop a bomb in the locker room. He is very well-liked, very loved. I think it’s normal for the players to express their opinion. I am grateful to everyone who gave me advice, I thank you all. But, in the end, the right person to make this decision, the most suitable person to do so, is me.”
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For the coach, external pressures, including those from the media and fan opinions, must not influence the selection process.
Ancelotti has emphasized that his primary objective is to maintain a tranquil working environment, irrespective of the decision he makes in the coming week.
He is confident that the squad is well-prepared to handle any outcome concerning the Santos star’s potential inclusion.
“I don’t believe the internal environment will affect the team at all,” he added.
“The environment is very positive, very calm, and no matter which player is in the squad, it will remain positive and calm until the end. But I can’t control the external environment and what the media says. The internal environment is under control and will remain so until the end, with or without Neymar. This influences the point I just mentioned: knowing that if I bring Neymar into this group, the group will be fine because he is very well-liked by everyone.”
The final stage of Ancelotti’s evaluation centers on his tactical requirements, which necessitate high intensity and effective defensive recovery.
While acknowledging Neymar’s recent physical improvements in matches for Santos, the coach has stressed that the decision will be strictly professional, based on what the player can contribute on the field given the current demands of international football.
“He has greatly improved his physical condition in recent matches. He has played some very good games lately,” Ancelotti commented.
“His physical conditioning has improved. He can maintain a high intensity during a match. But there are games and games. I am calm because I know perfectly well that the decision is mine.
“I was not pressured by anyone to call up Neymar. I have total autonomy. The decision will be 100% professional. I will only take into consideration his performance as a football player. Nothing else. Can I assemble a perfect team? Impossible! But I can assemble a team with fewer mistakes than others who would try. Of that I am certain.”
