Ancelotti's surprise nod to Neymar, 63 days before Brazil's World Cup debut | OneFootball

The head coach assured that the Brazilian star is on the right track to make it to the 2026 World Cup.

Ever since Carlo Ancelotti took over as head coach of the Brazil national team, one of the most repeated questions in his press conferences has been Neymar’s possible presence at the 2026 World Cup. This time, when asked again, the Italian repeated what he had already said and backed the star in his recovery from his knee injury.

In an interview with the French outlet L’Equipe, Carletto once again emphasized that he will take whoever is in the best shape: «If he gets back to 100%, which he is fully capable of doing, he will be able to play for the national team. I’ve said it many times: I will call up the fittest players.» He also backed him by highlighting his level after the knee injury: «After the knee injury, Neymar has made a great recovery, he is scoring goals. He needs to keep going in that direction and improve his physical condition. He is on the right track.”

The coach’s remarks were yet another show of support for the Santos player, who days earlier had received support from Davide Ancelotti, assistant coach and Carletto’s son: “The final squad list will be made public on May 18. He is the all-time top scorer and he has a chance. He has time to reach top form and make the squad.”

The former Real Madrid coach made it clear that he understands the situation and is not bothered by questions about Neymar: «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.”

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