Ancelotti Addresses Neymar World Cup Call-Up Ahead of Brazil Squad Reveal

Carlo Ancelotti heads into Monday’s announcement naming his Brazil squad with one issue dominating the conversation in Rio de Janeiro: will Neymar be included, or will he miss out?

Neymar’s status and the World Cup deadline

The 34-year-old forward is Brazil’s leading scorer of all time, yet his participation in the 2026 World Cup—scheduled to begin next month—remains uncertain. After several years marked by injury problems, his return to Santos has not offered the kind of steady impact that typically eases selection worries.

For Ancelotti, the looming call-up is a balancing act between footballing instinct and the practical realities of readiness, as he prepares a demanding, high-intensity approach for Brazil’s tournament campaign.

Ancelotti on the decision: talent, fitness and careful weighing

Speaking in an exclusive interview on Tuesday, Ancelotti said the choice demands more than one factor.

“When you have to choose, you have to consider many things,” he said.

He acknowledged Neymar’s importance, while also stressing that the final judgment must reflect current conditions.

• Ancelotti described Neymar as a key player for Brazil due to the talent he has consistently shown.
• He noted that Neymar has faced problems over time and is working to recover, adding that the forward has improved recently and has been featuring regularly.
• The coach said the decision is “not such an easy” one, insisting that the advantages and disadvantages must be reviewed carefully.

Ancelotti met the media at the Brazilian Football Confederation headquarters in Rio, with views over Barra da Tijuca. From there, he discussed what he called a delicate selection call, approaching it with the steadiness associated with one of the game’s most decorated managerial careers.

Why this call is under a microscope

Ancelotti carries an extraordinary record across European football: he is the only coach to win league titles in all of the continent’s “big five” leagues, and as a manager he has secured a record five Champions League trophies—along with two more during his playing career.

Still, few squad decisions are likely to be scrutinised as intensely as this one. Within the group, teammates have made their support for Neymar publicly known, while fans remain divided—some driven by affection for the player, others anxious about whether his body can keep up with the brilliance he can produce.

“I know full well that Neymar is much loved, not only by the public but also by the players,” Ancelotti said.

He added that love for Neymar is only part of the picture, because selection also shapes the environment around the squad.

• “This is also a factor,” Ancelotti said, referring to how the reaction to Neymar’s call-up could influence the wider feel of the camp.
• He pointed out that the selection would not be a disruptive shock, describing Neymar as someone who is “very well-liked” and “very much loved.”
• He said it is normal for players to voice their opinions and that he is grateful for the guidance he has received.
• However, he insisted that the final call must belong to him, as the person best placed to decide.

He continued: “This is also a factor… It’s not as if I’m going to drop a bombshell in the dressing room.”

“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 ultimately, the right person to make this decision, the one best placed to do so, is me.”

Did player lobbying change anything?

When asked whether the appeals from teammates had influenced him, Ancelotti said their impact was limited to one point: it reinforced that Neymar would not disturb the group.

Inside the camp vs outside pressure: Ancelotti’s tone

Ancelotti argued that the dressing room itself is not the threat some might imagine, suggesting the internal atmosphere will remain constructive regardless of who is selected.

“The internal atmosphere, I don’t think it will affect the team at all,” he said.

• He described the environment as “very positive” and “very clean.”
• He added that, whichever player is chosen, the mood would stay positive and calm “right to the end.”

At the same time, he said he cannot manage the reaction beyond the squad.

“But I can’t control the external atmosphere and what the media says.”

Fitness and role fit: can Neymar match Ancelotti’s model?

Beyond the sentiment and headlines, the core issue may be whether Neymar still matches the style of football Ancelotti wants. The coach is looking for four forwards who can run, press and track back—an exacting template that can be difficult for a player who has struggled to string together a sustained sequence of matches.

Even so, Ancelotti believes Neymar has shown encouraging signs.

• He said Neymar has improved his fitness a lot in recent outings.
• He added that Neymar has produced some very good performances lately.
• Ancelotti believes Neymar can maintain a high intensity across a match, though he acknowledged that not every game is the same.

“He has improved his fitness a lot in recent matches,” Ancelotti said. “He has played some very good matches lately. His fitness has improved. He can maintain a high intensity in a match. But there are matches and matches…”

Autonomy and professional criteria

Ancelotti made clear the decision remains his alone and that he has not been influenced by pressure from others.

“I haven’t been pressured by anyone to call up Neymar. I have complete autonomy,” he said.

He added that the selection will be handled strictly on football grounds.

• He said the choice will be “100% professional.”
• He stated he will judge only how Neymar performs as a footballer, and nothing else.
• He acknowledged that no squad can be perfect, but argued that he can still build one with fewer errors than others might make.

“Can I draw up a perfect squad? Impossible! But I can draw up a squad with fewer mistakes than others who might do so. Of that I am certain.”