Brazil National team coach Carlo Ancelotti has given Neymar two months to prove himself ahead of the 2026 world cup
Carlo Ancelotti revealed Neymar has two months to prove he has what it takes to play in the next World Cup for Brazil.
Neymar was left out of Ancelotti’s Selecao squad for the March international break, where they lost friendlies to France and defeated Croatia in the United States.
He is Brazil’s all-time top scorer with 79 goals and has represented the Selecao at three World Cups, including their home tournament in 2014.
He has scored eight goals and provided three assists in 13 matches at the World Cup. Only Ronaldo Nazario (19), Pele (18) and Jairzinho (12) have directly contributed to more goals in the competition for Brazil.
The 34-year-old has struggled with injuries during his return to Santos, making just five league starts this season, but has registered five goal involvements in that time (three goals, two assists).
Neymar also underwent a procedure during the international break, though he played the full 90 minutes in Santos’ win over Atletico Mineiro on Saturday.
Ancelotti has not ruled out the possibility of Neymar featuring for Brazil this summer, but insisted the winger must be at full fitness.
“He is capable of getting back to 100%,” Ancelotti told L’Equipe when asked about the Santos star.
“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.
“I’ve said this several times, and it’s very clear: I’ll call up the players who are physically ready.
“After his knee injury [in December], Neymar has made a good recovery.
“He’s scoring goals. He needs to keep going down this path and improve his fitness. He’s on the right track.”
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