The former Real Madrid coach, who officially took the reins of the Seleção, believes that Neymar still has a role to play if he manages to stay in shape and concentrated.
Ancelotti took office as Brazil coach at the beginning of the month and addressed one of the most important questions about the team, namely the future of Neymar. The 32-year-old has not played in selection since he was injured in the previous cross ligament in October 2023. The former Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona striker returned to Santos in 2025, but he continued to suffer from recurring injuries, missing the recent qualification matches of the Seleção in March and June.
Carlo Ancelotti wants to review the best Neymar
Brazil had trouble finding an offensive coherence in the absence of Neymar and is looking for an experienced leader while he begins to train his team for the 2026 World Cup. Nevertheless, the confidence that Encelotti gives to the superstar underlines how influential it remains when it is in good health. The Italian confirmed that he had already maintained himself directly with Neymar and had told the attacker that he still had time to prepare for his return.
Addressing the official Sonbol website, Ancelotti said: “Yes, I told him. He is a very important player for our national team, for the World Cup. He must prepare well, he has time to do so. I told him that he had to prepare properly because we think he will become a very important player for the Brazilian national team. »»
Brazil is looking for an experienced leader
If Neymar continues his convalescence as planned, he should make his long -awaited return with Brazil during the World Cup qualifiers in September. Brazil will welcome Chile on September 9 before going to Bolivia on the 14th, two games that could mark Neymar's first return with the Seleção for almost two years.
