Carlo Ancelotti asks Brazil’s president if he should pick Neymar for World Cup

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has revealed that the national team coach, Carlo Ancelotti, asked whether to select Neymar for the World Cup.

It can be recalled that Ancelotti expressed concerns, stating, “His physical condition is not 100% complete.” He is determined to bring only players in peak condition to the 2026 FIFA North America World Cup.

The president revealed on a live broadcast on his YouTube channel that Ancelotti posed the question to him.

Regarding the public outcry demanding Neymar’s selection, Ancelotti expressed concerns, stating, “His physical condition is not 100% complete.” 

Lula said: ‘I had the chance to speak with Ancelotti, and he asked me: “Do you think Neymar should be called up?”

‘I said: “Look, Ancelotti, if he’s physically fit, he’s got the football. What I need to know is whether he actually wants it.”

‘If he does, then he has to be professional. He can look at someone like Cristiano Ronaldo, he can look at Messi, and still go to the national team, because he’s not old yet.

‘But he can’t expect to go just on his name. He has to earn it on the pitch.’