Imagine being one of the greatest footballers of your generation, yet finding yourself on the brink of missing out on the world’s biggest stage. That’s the reality Neymar is facing right now. Brazil’s manager, Carlo Ancelotti, has thrown down a gauntlet, giving the 33-year-old star just six months to prove he deserves a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup squad. But here’s where it gets controversial: Ancelotti has left Neymar out of the national team for four consecutive international windows, extending his two-year absence from the Seleção. Is this a fair challenge, or a harsh ultimatum for a player who’s battled injuries and form? Let’s dive in.
Neymar’s journey back to the pitch hasn’t been easy. Recurring injuries forced him to step away from the national team, and while he’s since returned to play for Santos, Ancelotti remains unconvinced of his fitness. In a recent statement, the manager admitted, ‘I thought Neymar was just a topic in Brazil, but I see it’s a global issue. Fortunately, he recovered from his injury. Now he has six months to play.’ Ancelotti’s words are clear: Neymar is on the radar, but he’s not a guaranteed pick. ‘He has six months to make the final list,’ Ancelotti added, emphasizing the need to observe him closely to avoid selection mistakes.
And this is the part most people miss: While Neymar’s future hangs in the balance, other Brazilian stars are virtually assured of their spots. La Liga standouts like Raphinha, Vinícius Júnior, and Rodrygo are expected to lead the attack, with Matheus Cunha and the young prodigy Estevão also making strong cases. In midfield, Casemiro’s resurgence alongside Bruno Guimarães seems almost certain. Defensively, Éder Militão, Gabriel, and Marquinhos are locks, with Alisson guarding the goal. The only real debate? Who will fill the fullback positions.
But let’s circle back to Neymar. By May, he’ll need to prove not just his fitness, but his form and consistency. This could be his last chance to represent Brazil on the global stage, and the pressure is immense. Is Ancelotti right to keep Neymar on the bench until he’s fully convinced, or should he give the veteran star the benefit of the doubt? After all, Neymar is Brazil’s all-time leading goalscorer, and his talent is undeniable. Yet, form and fitness will be the ultimate deciding factors for Ancelotti’s squad next summer.
Here’s a thought-provoking question for you: In a sport where youth and consistency often reign supreme, should loyalty to a proven star like Neymar outweigh the need for current reliability? Let us know your thoughts in the comments. One thing’s for sure: all eyes will be on Neymar over the next six months as he fights to secure his legacy.