Cafu backs Neymar’s Brazil return, advises Ancelotti for Copa | OneFootball

Twice world champion with the Brazilian National Team, former captain Cafu took part in a charity match at Mercado Livre Arena Pacaembu this Sunday and spoke about the possibility of Neymar wearing the Yellow Jersey again. The Santos striker is recovering from a right thigh injury and has not yet been called up by Carlo Ancelotti.

Cafu believes that the player will return to defend the National Team in the future and can contribute at the 2026 World Cup. However, he warns about the short period the star has ahead, since the World Cup will take place in less than a year, in Mexico, the United States, and Canada.

“Neymar is injured. His quality is unquestionable, but the question [whether Neymar will return to the National Team] should be asked to Neymar himself. If he’s well and motivated, of course he will be called up. But, we have little time. In this period, he needs to get back into his rhythm. Neymar at a World Cup is always Neymar,” said the former athlete, world champion in 1994 and 2002.

Celebrated by Santos fans upon his return to Vila Belmiro, Neymar has not yet managed to meet expectations in Brazilian football. Injured for the third time in eight months at Peixe, the number 10 has been off the field for almost a month and has modest numbers: six goals and three assists in 21 matches.

Cafu left the Pacaembu pitch surrounded by children (Photo: André da Silva Costa/Gazeta Press)

Advice for Ancelotti

Cafu also gave a piece of advice to Carlo Ancelotti already thinking about the next World Cup. He asked the Italian not to change his characteristics and to field the best players.

“Let it be Ancelotti, and may he not change his characteristics. One piece of advice is that the World Cup has seven games. You have to have the best in those seven games. Everyone has to be well; not every game will depend on a single player,” said the former full-back.

National Team on the rise

Already qualified for the next World Cup, the Brazilian National Team is experiencing a good moment under Ancelotti’s command. The Canarinho comes from a 5-0 thrashing over South Korea in a friendly held last Friday in Seoul.

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So far, in five games with the former Real Madrid coach on the sidelines, there have been three wins, one draw, and one loss.

Brazil’s next match

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