Brazilian national team manager Carlo Ancelotti believes superstar forward Neymar can still earn his way onto the World Cup roster despite recent injury struggles.
The Italian coach expressed confidence in the player’s recovery prospects during an interview with L’Equipe. “He is capable of getting back to 100%,” Ancelotti stated when asked about Neymar’s World Cup chances. “He is being assessed by the CBF (Brazil’s Football Confederation) and by me, and he still has two months to show that he has what it takes to play in the next World Cup.”
The 34-year-old attacking midfielder, who holds Brazil’s all-time scoring record with 79 international goals, has been absent from national team duty since 2023 due to persistent left knee problems. Following minor knee surgery on December 22, Neymar received platelet-rich plasma therapy in early April to accelerate his healing process.
Ancelotti praised the player’s progress since the December procedure. “After his knee injury (in December), Neymar has made a good recovery,” the coach explained. “He’s scoring goals. He needs to keep going down this path and improve his fitness. He’s on the right track.”
Currently serving as captain for Santos in Brazil’s top-flight Serie A, Neymar has publicly expressed his determination to represent his country at this summer’s World Cup in North America. His current contract with Santos runs through the end of this calendar year.
The veteran player previously starred for European giants Barcelona from 2013 to 2017 and Paris Saint-Germain from 2017 to 2023, forming memorable partnerships with Lionel Messi at both clubs during his peak years as one of soccer’s elite attacking talents.
An ankle problem contributed to his exit from PSG, leading to a brief stint with Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal. However, a torn ACL cut short his time in the Middle East. He rejoined Santos in January 2025, marking his return to professional soccer in his homeland.
This season, Neymar has contributed three goals and two assists across five appearances for Santos. After missing two consecutive matches, he completed the full 90 minutes in Saturday’s 1-0 victory against Atletico Mineiro.
Santos head coach Cuca offered an encouraging assessment following Saturday’s performance. “Neymar is improving with every game,” Cuca told ESPN reporters. “He’s been staying behind to train. His movement on the ball is much better and he’s likely to get even better. It’s risky to play him for the full 90 minutes; we’ll see if he can handle it, and we’ll work towards him playing on Tuesday.”
During his debut season back in Brazilian soccer last year, Neymar recorded eight goals and one assist over 20 appearances, starting 17 of those matches.
Ancelotti acknowledged the player’s legendary status while maintaining realistic expectations. “Neymar has made, and continues to make, history in Brazilian football,” the coach noted. “He is a great talent and it’s only natural that people think he can help us win the next World Cup.”
Despite the optimistic outlook, Neymar has not appeared on any national team roster since Ancelotti assumed coaching duties last June.
The coach emphasized his selection philosophy when pressed about future call-ups. “I’ve said this several times, and it’s very clear: I’ll call up the players who are physically ready,” Ancelotti declared.
