Brazil’s head coach Carlo Ancelotti said that Neymar’s return to the national team will depend entirely on merit, stressing that the forward must prove both form and fitness ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Ancelotti addressed the growing speculation at a December press conference, months before he is expected to announce his squad in May. “I understand you are very interested in Neymar. I want to clarify… We are in December, the World Cup is in June. When I announce the squad in May, if Neymar deserves to go, if he is well, if he is better or the same as another, he will play the World Cup, period,” he said.
–Neymar, Brazil’s all time top scorer, has struggled with recurring injuries in recent years. However, his recent hat trick in 17 minutes against Juventude a performance that helped Santos ease relegation worries has reignited debate among fans about his potential inclusion.
Ancelotti maintained that performances, not reputation, will decide selection. With rising stars like Vinícius Júnior and teenage talent Endrick pushing for their place, the coach says competition will be intense and based strictly on merit.
Source: X | TouchlineX
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