Ancelotti says Neymar is on the right track to return to 🇧🇷

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·11 April 2026

Ancelotti says Neymar is on the right track to return to 🇧🇷

Brazil national team coach Carlo Ancelotti made an important statement about Neymar’s future with the 2026 World Cup in mind.

In an interview with the French newspaper "L'Équipe," the Italian said the Santos player "is being evaluated" and that he sees the No. 10 "on the right path" to playing for Brazil again.

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It is worth remembering that Neymar was not called up for the friendlies against France and Croatia, the last ones before the World Cup squad announcement, scheduled for May 18.

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Ancelotti reiterated in the interview that he will only take players to the World Cup who are "100% fit," but said the player can still reach that condition and fight for a place among the 26 called up.

"He is capable of getting back to 100%. I’ve said this repeatedly, and it’s very clear: I will call up players who are physically fit. After the knee injury (in December), Neymar had a great recovery and is scoring goals. He needs to continue in that direction and improve his fitness. He is on the right path."

The 66-year-old coach also said he is "not bothered" by the large number of questions about Neymar in every press conference he gives with the Brazil national team.

- It doesn’t bother me. Neymar has made and continues to make history in Brazilian football. He is a great talent, and it is normal for people to think he can help us win the next World Cup. He is being evaluated by the CBF, by me, and he still has two months to show that he has the quality to play in the next World Cup - he added.

According to the coach, the best position for Neymar in the national team is in a more central role, closer to the opposition goal.

Neymar will have the chance to impress Ancelotti even more this Saturday (11).

The star is expected to be on the pitch for the clash against Atlético-MG at Vila Belmiro.

In a match valid for the 11th round of the Brazilian Championship.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.

📸 Alexandre Schneider - 2026 Getty Images