Ronaldo Urges Ancelotti to Include Neymar in 2026 World Cup Squad
Brazilian legend Ronaldo has publicly appealed to Selecao coach Carlo Ancelotti to reinstate Neymar into the national squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026 in North America. This comes amidst concerns about Neymar's fitness and Ancelotti's reservations about his current condition.
Neymar's Recent Absence and Return to Santos
Neymar, Brazil's all-time leading goalscorer with 79 goals in 128 matches, has been sidelined from the national team since October 2023 due to a severe knee injury. After an unsuccessful stint with Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia, the 33-year-old returned to his boyhood club, Santos, in January. Despite playing regularly for Santos, Ancelotti has yet to call him up for national duty.
Ronaldo's Endorsement and Public Expectation
"He is a decisive player for the Brazilian Selecao. We don't have another player like Neymar," stated Ronaldo, emphasizing Neymar's irreplaceable value to the team. He further added, "The people hope 100 percent that he will go to the World Cup because if he is there, we will definitely have better results than if he's not there." This highlights the immense public expectation for Neymar's inclusion in the 2026 World Cup squad.
Ancelotti's Fitness Concerns and Potential Tactical Shift
Despite the pressure, Carlo Ancelotti has made it clear that Neymar's inclusion hinges on his physical condition. Ancelotti stated that Neymar "needs to get in better shape to help the national team and to give the best of himself at the World Cup." The coach is also considering a tactical shift, potentially deploying Neymar in a more central attacking midfield role, given the physical demands of modern football. Ancelotti, praised by Ronaldo as tactically brilliant, wants Neymar in "his best physical condition".
Brazil's World Cup Aspirations and Pressure
The debate surrounding Neymar's fitness is amplified by Brazil's desperate desire to win the World Cup after a 24-year trophy drought. Their recent qualifying performance was subpar, increasing the pressure on the team. The team qualified for the tournament but finished fifth in the South American standings, their worst-ever qualifying performance, including six losses. The discussion to include Neymar into the team is very important, as the current football condition has changed over the years.
