Brazil’s Coach Carlo Ancelotti says Neymar remains part of his long-term plans but must be fully fit to return to the national team as the forward looks to revive his international career ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Speaking in Tokyo on Monday ahead of Brazil’s friendly against Japan, Ancelotti praised Neymar’s talent but stressed that fitness will determine whether the 33-year-old earns a recall after two years out of the squad.
”Neymar can play at his highest level in this team without any problems,” Ancelotti told reporters. “When he’s in good physical condition, he has the quality to play not only for Brazil but for any team in the world.”
Neymar has not featured for Brazil since October 2023, when he tore knee ligaments during a World Cup qualifier against Uruguay. The injury, followed by recurring fitness issues, disrupted his comeback after leaving Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal and rejoining Santos last year.
Ancelotti made clear that the door remains open for Brazil’s all-time leading scorer but said the team’s priority is maintaining form and cohesion. “He’s an exceptional player,” the Italian said, “but right now, what matters most is that every player is in top condition and contributes to the team’s balance.”
Brazil approach Tuesday’s match against Japan with excitement from a 5-0 victory over South Korea last week, a performance that showcased the next generation of attacking stars, including Vinícius Júnior, Rodrygo, Matheus Cunha, and 17-year-old Estevão.
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Ancelotti started all four in Seoul, and their fluid attacking display has reignited optimism. ”The Brazilian national team wants to play beautiful football,” Ancelotti said. “But beautiful football isn’t just with the ball — it’s also about commitment and teamwork. Playing beautifully is important, but the most important thing is to win.”
The five-time world champions are using this Asian tour to refine tactics and evaluate themselves ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
For Neymar, who has already scored 79 goals in 128 international appearances, the next few months would determine if he would be featuring in the 2026 FIFA World Cup or let the younger generation take his place.