Ancelotti Sends Strong Message to Neymar — "Get Ready for 2026 World Cup" 🇧🇷

Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti has issued a clear and public challenge to Neymar Jr., urging the superstar forward to focus on his fitness and form ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

In a recent statement to CONMEBOL, Ancelotti emphasized the 33-year-old’s importance to the national team despite his recent exclusion from Brazil’s squad.

“He’s a very important player for us,” Ancelotti said. “He must prepare well, and he has time to do that.” The comments come as Neymar continues his professional comeback at Santos FC, the club where he first rose to global fame.

He recently signed a contract extension through the end of the year, signaling his intent to regain full fitness and form ahead of a critical World Cup cycle.

Despite his legendary status — with iconic stints at Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain — Neymar has faced a string of injuries that have hampered his career in recent years.

Since returning to Santos, he has played just 12 games in five months, managing three goals, while struggling with recurring physical setbacks.

Ancelotti’s remarks also follow Neymar’s omission from his first Brazil squad last month.

The Seleção, nevertheless, secured a crucial 1-0 victory over Paraguay, confirming their qualification and beginning a new era under the Italian tactician.

Fans and pundits alike have been speculating whether Neymar will remain part of Brazil’s World Cup plans, especially with a new generation of stars like Vinícius Jr., Rodrygo, and Endrick rising rapidly.

Ancelotti’s statement now makes it clear: Neymar’s return depends on Neymar himself.

Google searches like “Neymar 2026 World Cup,” “Ancelotti Brazil squad,” and “Will Neymar play 2026?” have trended sharply since the news broke, reflecting massive interest in the football icon’s future.

With the clock ticking toward 2026, the ball is now in Neymar’s court.

Will he rise again and lead Brazil one more time on football’s grandest stage—or will his World Cup story end in silence? Either way, the world is watching.