Carlo Ancelotti, the famous Italian coach who now leads Brazil’s national soccer team, recently made headlines when he spoke about Neymar Jr. and his future with the national squad. According to Ancelotti, Neymar’s spot in Brazil’s team for the 2026 FIFA World Cup will depend not just on his skill but mainly on his physical condition.
This is a big story in soccer because Neymar has been one of the most well-known players in the world for more than a decade. But lately, injuries and fitness problems have made his career much more difficult. For younger soccer fans, it may be surprising to hear that Neymar, once the star of Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), is now 33 years old and fighting just to make it back into the Brazilian national team.
Why Neymar Was Left Out of Recent Brazil Squads
Ancelotti left Neymar out of Brazil’s 23-man squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Chile and Bolivia earlier this year. The official reason was that Neymar had a minor leg muscle injury. However, Neymar himself later said his exclusion was not about the injury but more of a technical decision.
This caused a lot of debate in the soccer world. Many fans asked: Was Neymar really injured, or was the coach simply not ready to bring him back yet? Whatever the reason, Neymar has not played for Brazil since October 2023, when he suffered a very serious knee ligament injury. Those injuries are extremely tough, sometimes taking 9 to 12 months to recover from. For a player in his 30s, it can be even harder.
Ancelotti’s Clear Message
When speaking to ESPN Brasil, Ancelotti made his point very clear:
He knows Neymar has the talent.
But talent alone is not enough in modern soccer.
Players must be in top physical shape to perform at the highest level.
Ancelotti said:
“We are not going to observe how Neymar plays, obviously. Everyone knows his talent. In modern football, to take advantage of his talent, the player has to be in good physical condition. If he is in his best physical condition, he will have no problems being in the national team.”
That statement basically means Neymar’s return to Brazil’s squad is not about skills—he has plenty of those. Instead, it’s about whether his body can handle the speed, intensity, and demands of today’s game.
Neymar’s Return to Santos
After leaving Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia, Neymar returned to his boyhood club, Santos, in Brazil. This move was emotional for him because Santos is where he first became a star as a teenager. Fans were thrilled to see him back in the famous white jersey.
But the comeback has been rough. One of the hardest moments came when Santos lost 6-0 to Vasco da Gama. Neymar left the field in tears, which showed just how difficult this stage of his career has been.
Still, there have been flashes of brilliance. Neymar remains one of the most creative players in the world when he is on the ball. The problem is he can’t always stay fit long enough to make an impact.
Where Neymar Fits in the Team
Ancelotti also explained where he sees Neymar playing if he does return for the World Cup. He doesn’t believe Neymar should be used as a winger anymore.
Why? Because in modern soccer, wide forwards need to have elite speed, stamina, and physical strength to constantly sprint up and down the pitch. At 33, after multiple injuries, Neymar doesn’t have the same burst of pace he had at 21.
Instead, Ancelotti said Neymar could play as:
An attacking midfielder (the No. 10 role)
Or a central striker
That makes sense because Neymar’s biggest strengths are his vision, passing, and creativity. From the center of the field, he can still control the game, create chances, and score goals.
Brazil Already Qualified
Brazil has already booked their spot for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will take place in Canada, Mexico, and the United States. That means Ancelotti has some flexibility to test players and prepare his best team without worrying about missing qualification.
Brazil’s next match will be a friendly game against South Korea in Seoul on October 10. This could be a chance to see whether Neymar is getting closer to returning, but that will depend entirely on his fitness.
Neymar’s Legacy and Why This Matters
For middle school soccer fans, it’s important to understand just how big Neymar is in the history of the sport.
He has scored 79 goals for Brazil, making him the country’s all-time top scorer, even ahead of legends like Pelé.
He has played for some of the world’s biggest clubs: Barcelona, PSG, Al Hilal, and Santos.
He has won league titles in Spain and France, as well as the UEFA Champions League with Barcelona in 2015.
He was also a key part of Brazil’s team that won the Olympic gold medal in 2016.
However, despite his incredible career, Neymar has never won a World Cup. For many Brazilians, that is the one trophy missing from his story. That is why Ancelotti’s comments are so important—this could be Neymar’s last chance to play in a World Cup.
Soccer Facts and News Combo
To connect the story with wider soccer news, let’s look at some related facts:
Modern soccer is faster and more physical than ever. Players like Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Jr. rely on explosive speed and fitness. That’s why even the most skilled players, like Neymar, need to maintain top shape.
Brazil has a new generation of stars, including Rodrygo and Endrick, who are fighting for attacking spots. If Neymar wants to compete with them, he needs to prove he is fit.
Injuries are a huge part of soccer careers. A FIFA study found that hamstring injuries are the most common, while knee ligament injuries (like Neymar’s) are the most serious and often career-threatening.
Brazil has won the World Cup 5 times, more than any other country. Their last victory was in 2002, led by Ronaldo, Rivaldo, and Ronaldinho. Since then, every tournament has ended in disappointment. Could Neymar help change that in 2026?
Final Thoughts
Carlo Ancelotti’s message to Neymar is simple: Get fit, stay fit, and the door will be open. Fans around the world would love to see Neymar shine one more time on the biggest stage of all.
But time is not on his side. At 33 years old, with a history of serious injuries, Neymar has to work harder than ever to prove he can still be a difference-maker.
For now, Brazil already has their World Cup ticket, so Neymar still has time to prepare. The big question is: Will we see Neymar in the famous yellow jersey in 2026, ready to fight for the trophy he has always dreamed of?
Only his body—and his determination—can give us that answer.