The clock is ticking for Neymar. More than a year after his cruciate ligament rupture against Uruguay, the Brazilian icon has still not played again with the Seleção. Carlo Ancelotti, at the head of Brazil since the summer, has not summoned him to any gathering since his appointment. An unprecedented situation for the player with 79 goals for the national team, now forced to think about his future… and his positioning on the pitch to hope to relive a last World Cup.
Ancelotti advises repositioning
Asked by Placarthe Italian technician confided that Neymar had to “change roles” if he wanted to get back to his best level. “Today, football requires intensity and defensive work. On the wing, it’s more difficult for him to manage. I think he needs to play more in the middle, close to the goal. » A lucid observation: at 34 years old, the Brazilian’s body no longer allows him to carry out repeated races along the line. On the other hand, his flair and vision of the game could still work wonders in a false nine or advanced leader role.
Returning to Santos in January, Neymar hoped to rekindle the national flame by moving closer to Brazil. But his club, already financially weakened, is wondering about the future. President Teixeira confirmed this: “The Neymar project goes until 2026, but we have to reassess the situation. » In other words, even his future at the club is not assured. For the player, the objective remains clear: find the selection before the last international window in March 2026.
Neymar faces the test of time
For the first time in his career, Neymar finds himself at the crossroads of all uncertainties: physical, tactical, emotional. The man who made the world dream with his audacity must now prove that he can still adapt. His challenge: to refocus, literally, to last.
The 2026 World Cup could be his last trip in the Auriverde jersey. Ancelotti, pragmatic, gives him a pole rather than a sanction. If Neymar manages to master this new role, he could yet write a final chapter to his legend. But if it fails, this repositioning will mostly resemble a swan song.
