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FEATURE
- 12 hours ago
Brazil boss Ancelotti sends brutal Neymar message as World Cup hopes fade
Tom Weber
- 4 Nov 2025 20:01 GMT
- 4 min read
News
Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti insisted that he will only include players in 'peak physical condition' in his World Cup squad after being asked about Neymar.
The 33-year-old returned from a hamstring injury at the weekend to make his first appearance for Santos in almost two months. Neymar has repeatedly struggled with thigh issues since returning to his boyhood club in January.
Although he initially impressed after his return, his impact in Brazil's Serie A has so far been limited. With the World Cup on the horizon, this is a major problem.
Current ETV
Neymar
AM, M, F (C)
Santos
Neymar
AM, M, F (C)
Santos
ETV Range
€3.3M - €5M
Neymar knows that the tournament in the US, Canada and Mexico will likely be his final chance to play for Brazil at a major international competition, and he dreams of making Carlo Ancelotti's squad next summer.
However, the constant question marks over his fitness and his unimpressive performances mean that his spot on the plane up north is far from guaranteed as things stand.
Ancelotti raises Neymar doubts
Selecao boss Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed as much. Quizzed by the Brazilian press on Neymar following his return to the pitch at the weekend, the Italian revealed: "I haven't spoken with Neymar recently. We'll see when he can recover and play again."
Regarding his chances of making the World Cup squad, the coach was blunt. “For the World Cup, we need players in peak physical condition," Ancelotti said.
"I might play a player lacking intensity for the first or second match, but I'm not going to call up a player lacking intensity for the entire World Cup. We need all the players at their best.”
However, all hope is not yet lost for Neymar. There is still time until the World Cup, and he could even make a transfer to boost his chances. While a move to a big European club looks far-fetched at this stage, he could put himself in the spotlight by moving to a host country.
His contract with Santos expires at the end of the season, and the veteran has never made a secret of the fact that he wants to play in Major League Soccer at some point in his career.
Before he returned to Santos, Neymar fielded interest from several MLS teams, chiefly the Chicago Fire, who own his Discovery Rights, essentially giving them the option of first refusal.
Inter Miami have been frequently associated with a move for the Brazilian megastar, and they will have an available Designated Player spot when Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba retire after the playoffs. A reunion with Lionel Messi could boost his World Cup chances.
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