The Carlo Ancelotti era with the Brazil national team is officially underway, and fans are eager to see what the Italian tactician can bring to the Canarinha as they gear up for the 2026 World Cup. A key storyline is the potential return of Neymar, and Ancelotti has already taken the opportunity to deliver a clear message to the star forward.
Neymar’s fitness has been one of Brazil’s biggest concerns since he suffered an ACL injury in October 2023, the latest in a string of setbacks that have limited his time on the pitch. Despite his absence in recent fixtures, the former Barcelona and PSG star continues to be held in high regard by the coaching staff and federation.
Speaking to CONMEBOL’s official website, Ancelotti confirmed that he has spoken directly with Neymar and made his expectations clear: “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.”
The coach went on to emphasize the importance of Neymar returning to full fitness in order to rejoin the squad. “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,” Ancelotti concluded.
In an interview with BandSports during an event for his foundation in São Paulo, Neymar expressed his long-term intentions before officially rejoining Santos. “My story with Santos will never disappear. I was born in Santos and I want to die there. It’s my home, it’s the team of my heart. I came here to recover and to regain my happiness. I’m in that process, readapting my body to return to my best level,” he said.
see also
Cristiano Ronaldo breaks silence with three-word reply to Stefano Pioli’s Al-Nassr exit – Neymar’s ex-boss to take over?
When is Neymar expected to return to the national team?
Though Neymar returned to Santos in 2025, injuries have continued to plague him, sidelining him not only in March but also twice in June—missing critical World Cup qualifying matches. However, with an ongoing dialogue between Neymar and Ancelotti, and barring any new setbacks, his long-awaited return to the national team now has a likely timeline.
Brazil wraps up its final two CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers in September—hosting Chile on the 9th and traveling to face Bolivia on the 14th. If all goes according to plan, those fixtures are expected to mark Neymar’s return to the Seleção, nearly two years after his last appearance.
