Carlo Ancelotti has warned Neymar and Vinicius Junior that they must be at “100 percent” to make Brazil’s 2026 World Cup squad. The manager delivered his clearest message yet to Brazil’s biggest names, insisting that neither reputation nor past achievements will secure anyone a seat on the plane to the United States, Canada and Mexico. His comments arrive at a particularly delicate moment for Neymar, whose turbulent return to Santos has been overshadowed by persistent physical setbacks.
Neymar faces fresh injury concerns
After leaving Paris Saint-Germain for Al-Hilal in 2023, Neymar ruptured his ACL while playing for Brazil and spent nearly 18 months fighting to get back onto the pitch. His move to the Saudi Pro League never materialised into the success story many had hoped for, and by January 2025, he had opted for a homecoming, returning to Santos with the ambition of both reviving the club and salvaging his international career.
The reality has proved far more punishing. Neymar has managed only seven goals in 25 outings for Santos, with his second spell at the club dominated by rehabilitation instead of resurgence. The forward’s repeated niggles and setbacks have prevented him from gaining rhythm and have stalled his hopes of earning a recall to the national team. With just one international window remaining before Brazil’s World Cup campaign begins, the clock is now ticking loudly over his future.
Santos manager Juan Pablo Vojvoda confirmed on Monday that Neymar was sidelined once again after feeling acute discomfort in his knee both before and during the recent 1-1 draw with Internacional. The 33-year-old did, however, play through pain to inspire Santos to a 3-0 victory against Sport in their latest Serie A outing, with the final result allowing the club to jump out of the relegation zone on goal difference.
Ancelotti will not take an unfit Neymar to the World Cup
Ancelotti has been careful not to offer special treatment to any player. When asked directly about Neymar’s situation, the Italy legend was unequivocal, and also issued a warning to Real Madrid forward Vinicius, who has struggled to produce his best form so far this season.
“He has to be 100%,” Ancelotti told Esporte Record. “There are many players who are very good, I need to choose players that are 100%. It’s not just Neymar, it could be [Real Madrid forward] Vinícius. If Vinícius is at 90%, I will name up one other participant who’s at 100%, as a result of it is a group that has a really excessive stage of competence, particularly up entrance. Up entrance, we have now actually many good gamers.”
Ancelotti acknowledged Neymar’s extraordinary pure means however conceded his profession has been repeatedly derailed by premature accidents.
“I believe he is an ideal expertise,” Ancelotti mentioned. “He is had the unhealthy luck of getting accidents. He could not be in good bodily situation due to the accidents he is had.”
Neymar speaks out on his harm
Neymar insists he’s decided to maintain pushing regardless of his newest bodily setback. Talking after his most up-to-date look for Santos, he admitted the emotional toll the accidents have taken however remained hopeful he can nonetheless contribute within the closing weeks of the season.
“I am feeling higher and higher,” Neymar mentioned after Friday’s sport in opposition to Sport. “This harm is gloomy, it is annoying. However it’s nothing that may cease me from doing something. That is why I hold taking part in. Now it is time to consider Santos, to consider placing Santos the place it deserves to be, which is within the high flight. After which we’ll see what to do.”
Race in opposition to time for a fourth World Cup
Whether or not Neymar can nonetheless combat his approach into the World Cup squad is turning into more and more unsure. Not solely is he a serious doubt for the rest of Santos’ 2025 season, however the Brazilian soccer calendar means he may have restricted alternatives for aggressive minutes earlier than March. With out common soccer, it’s extremely unlikely that Ancelotti will make an exception for the 33-year-old ahead, regardless of his previous contributions to the nationwide group.
One choice being thought of is a short lived transfer again to Europe, the place golf equipment would nonetheless be mid-season in early 2026. Taking part in on the continent might present Neymar with the continuity he must persuade Ancelotti that he stays able to acting on the game’s greatest stage.
