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Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti has admitted that the decision on whether or not to include Neymar in his squad for the 2026 World Cup weighed heavily on him.
Despite the Santos striker’s legendary status, the Italian tactician balances the player’s recent physical struggles with his undeniable talent as the tournament approaches.
The weight of history versus physical reality
Ancelotti has included Neymar in his provisional list of 55 players for the tournament, but will reduce that number to 26 when he announces the final squad on May 18.
At 34, Neymar is undoubtedly 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 period at Al Hilal and recurring injuries, his return to Santos gave a glimpse of the old star, but still in the shadow of doubt about his competitive intensity.
“When you have to choose, you have to take into account a lot of things,” explained Ancelotti 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 that does not put pressure on me. We have been evaluating not only Neymar, but all the players, for a year now.
Neymar’s role in the locker room
One of the crucial points for Ancelotti is the harmony of the group.
The Italian, known for his impeccable management of men, knows that the presence or absence of a figure like Neymar alters the collective dynamic.
The coach pointed out that his teammates have already made it clear that they want to have the number 10, which he appreciates when analyzing the internal climate of the Brazilian national team.
“I know perfectly well that Neymar is very appreciated, not only by the public, but also by the players,” Ancelotti said.
“It’s also a factor, because you have to take into account the atmosphere that will surround the call-up of Neymar. It’s not as if I’m going to drop a bomb in the dressing room. He is very appreciated, very loved. I think it’s normal for the players to express their opinion. I’m grateful to everyone who advised me, I thank you all. But, in the end, the right person to make this decision, the person best suited to do it, is me.
Protection against the external environment
For the coach, media pressure and fan noise cannot interfere in the selection process.
Ancelotti stressed that his priority is to maintain tranquility in the working environment, whatever decision he makes at the start of next week.
He believes the group is ready to face any outcome regarding the Santos star.
“I don’t think the internal environment will affect the team,” he added.
“The environment is very positive, very calm, and whoever is in the team, he 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. This influences the point I just made: knowing that if I bring Neymar into this group, everything will be fine because he is very popular with everyone.
Technical criteria and total autonomy
The final part of the assessment concerns Ancelotti’s tactical demands, which require high intensity and defensive recovery.
Although he acknowledged Neymar’s physical improvement in recent matches with Santos, the coach stressed that the decision will be strictly professional, based on what the player can offer on the pitch in the current conditions of international football.
“He has greatly improved his physical condition in the last few matches. He has played some very good matches recently,” Ancelotti said.
“His physical condition has improved. He can maintain high intensity during a match. But there are matches and matches. I am calm because I know perfectly well that the decision is mine.
“No one pushed me to call Neymar. I have total autonomy. The decision will be 100% professional. I will only take into consideration his performance as a footballer. Nothing else. Can I put together a perfect team? Impossible! But I can put together a team with fewer mistakes than others who would try. I am sure of it.”
