Ancelotti: Neymar has time to prove himself again for Brazil ahead of 2026 World Cup

New Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti has challenged Neymar Jr. to get back to his best and prove he can still be a “very important player” for the national team as preparations begin for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Ancelotti, who officially took charge of the Selecao earlier this month following his departure from Real Madrid, addressed Neymar’s uncertain international future amid ongoing fitness issues.

The 32-year-old has been sidelined since October 2023 after suffering an ACL injury and has missed Brazil’s recent World Cup qualifiers.

Despite a return to boyhood club Santos in 2025, Neymar has continued to battle injury setbacks.

However, Ancelotti remains optimistic and confirmed that he has spoken directly with the former PSG and Barcelona star about a potential comeback.

Speaking to CONMEBOL’s official website, Ancelotti said:

“Yes, I’ve spoken with him. He’s a very important player for our national team, for the World Cup. He needs to prepare well, he has the time to do it.

“I’ve spoken with him about this, that he should prepare properly, because we have the idea that he will become a very important player for the Brazilian national team.”

Neymar, Brazil’s all-time leading goal scorer, could make his long-awaited return in September, when the Selecao face Chile and Bolivia in World Cup qualifiers.

If fit, those matches would mark his first international appearances in nearly two years.