NEWYou can now listen to Pakinomist articles!
Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti has admitted the decision on whether to include Neymar in his 2026 World Cup squad weighs heavily on his mind.
Despite the Santos striker’s legendary status, the Italian tactician is balancing the player’s recent fitness struggles against his undeniable talent as the tournament approaches.
The weight of history against physical reality
Ancelotti has included Neymar in his 55-man provisional list for the tournament but will drop the number to 26 when he announces the final squad on May 18.
At 34, Neymar is undeniably one of the greatest talents Brazilian football has ever produced, but his place in the 2026 World Cup squad is not a certainty.
After a disastrous spell at Al Hilal and recurring injuries, his return to Santos has brought glimpses of the old star, but still under the shadow of doubt about his competitive intensity.
“When you have to choose, you have to take many things into consideration,” Ancelotti explained in an exclusive interview with Reuters.
“Neymar is an important player for this country because of the talent he has always shown. He has had some problems and he is working hard to recover. He has improved a lot recently and is playing regularly. Obviously, for me it is not an easy decision. We have to carefully weigh the pros and cons, but it does not put pressure on me. We have evaluated, but not only in all years in the Ney player.”
Neymar’s role in the dressing room
One of the decisive points for Ancelotti is the harmony of the group.
The Italian, known for his impeccable man management, knows that the presence or absence of a figure like Neymar changes the collective dynamic.
The coach highlighted that his teammates have already made it clear that they want to have the number 10 around, something he appreciates when analyzing the internal climate of the Brazilian national team.
“I know very well that Neymar is very well-liked, not only by the public but also by the players,” Ancelotti said.
“It’s also a factor because we have to take into account the atmosphere that will surround Neymar’s call-up. It’s not like I’m going to drop a bomb in the dressing room. He’s very well-liked, very loved. I think it’s normal for the players to express their opinion. I’m grateful to everyone who has given me advice, I thank you all. But, the right person is to make the right decision. me.”
Shielding against the external environment
For the coach, media pressure and the noise of the fans cannot interfere with the selection process.
Ancelotti stressed that his priority is to maintain calm in the working environment, whatever decision he makes at the beginning of next week.
He believes the group is prepared to handle any outcome regarding the Santos star.
“I don’t think the internal environment will affect the team at all,” he added.
“The environment is very positive, very calm, and whatever player is in the squad, it will remain positive and calm until the end. But I cannot control the external environment and what the media say. The internal environment is under control and will remain so until the end, with or without Neymar. It affects the point I just mentioned: knowing that if I bring Neymar into this group, the group will be very well-liked because he is very well-liked.”
Technical criteria and total autonomy
The final part of the evaluation involves Ancelotti’s tactical demands, which require high intensity and defensive recovery.
Despite acknowledging Neymar’s physical improvement in recent matches for Santos, the coach stressed that the decision will be strictly professional, based on what the player can deliver on the pitch in the current conditions of international football.
“He has improved his physical condition a lot in recent games. He has played some very good games recently,” Ancelotti said.
“His physical condition has improved. He can maintain a high intensity during a match. But there are games and games. I am calm because I know that the decision is mine.
“I was not pressured by anyone to call up Neymar. I have total autonomy. The decision will be 100% professional. I will only consider his achievements as a footballer. Nothing else. Can I assemble a perfect team? Impossible! But I can assemble a team with fewer mistakes than others who would try. I am sure of that.”
