Ancelotti Acknowledges Brazil Players Lobbying for Neymar’s 2026 World Cup Inclusion

Carlo Ancelotti has opened up on one of the most closely watched selection debates heading into the 2026 World Cup — whether Neymar, Brazil’s all-time leading goalscorer, will be part of his final squad. Speaking in an exclusive interview with Reuters, the Italy-born coach confirmed that pressure from within the dressing room is a genuine consideration, even as he stressed that physical readiness will ultimately drive the call.

“When you have to choose, you have to consider many things,” Ancelotti said. “Neymar is an important player for this country because of the talent he has always shown. But he has had problems and is working hard to recover. It is, obviously, not such an easy decision for me. We have to weigh up the pros and cons carefully.”

The Santos forward, who has endured a prolonged series of injury setbacks in recent years, was absent from Brazil’s most recent World Cup preparatory friendlies — a decision Ancelotti made that drew significant attention. Neymar responded publicly, making clear his desire to feature at the tournament despite his physical challenges.

Beyond the fitness question, Ancelotti acknowledged a less conventional factor: the forward’s standing among his international teammates. Multiple Brazil players have reportedly lobbied the coaching staff in favour of Neymar’s inclusion, a dynamic the 66-year-old coach addressed directly. “I know full well that Neymar is much loved, not only by the public but also by the players,” he said. “This is also a factor, because we have to consider the atmosphere that will surround Neymar’s call-up.”

Ancelotti was careful to validate the input from his squad while drawing a firm line on where authority lies. “I think it’s normal for the players to express their opinion. I’m grateful to everyone who has given me advice,” he stated. “But ultimately, the right person to make this decision, the one best placed to do so, is me.”

Neymar holds the record as Brazil’s all-time top scorer, a status that adds considerable weight to the selection debate. At 34, however, he has spent much of the past two years managing physical setbacks, including a serious knee injury sustained while on international duty in 2023, which ruled him out for an extended period. His return to club football with Santos has been monitored closely by the Brazilian football federation and Ancelotti’s technical staff.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will be the first edition to feature 48 nations. Brazil, a five-time world champion and perennial contender, are preparing for a tournament in which Neymar’s presence — or absence — is likely to remain a prominent talking point until Ancelotti submits his final squad list. The coach’s comments suggest a decision has not yet been finalised, with fitness assessments continuing to inform his thinking in the weeks ahead.