Ancelotti Sets Fitness Condition for Neymar’s World Cup Return

Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti has outlined a clear pathway for Neymar’s return to the national team, emphasizing that physical fitness will be the determining factor for the star forward’s inclusion in future squads. The 33-year-old was notably absent from Brazil’s recent World Cup qualifier selections against Chile and Bolivia.

“In modern football, to take advantage of his talent, the player has to be in good physical condition,” Ancelotti told ESPN Brasil on Friday. “If he is in his best physical condition, he will have no problems being in the national team.”

Talent Never in Question

The Italian tactician made it clear that Neymar’s abilities remain unquestioned, stating, “We are not going to observe how Neymar plays, obviously. Everyone knows his talent.” However, the coach emphasized that talent alone isn’t sufficient in contemporary football without proper physical preparation.

Ancelotti revealed he has personally communicated with the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain player about his World Cup aspirations. “I spoke with him and I said, ‘You have time to prepare in the best way to be there and help the team try to do their best in the World Cup,'” the coach explained.

Road to Recovery

While Neymar missed the recent qualifiers due to a minor leg muscle injury, he later suggested his exclusion was for technical reasons. The forward hasn’t represented Brazil since October 2023, when serious knee ligament injuries derailed his international career.

With the 2026 World Cup approaching, Neymar now has a clear mandate from his national team coach: achieve peak physical condition to reclaim his place in Brazil’s famous yellow jersey.