Carlo Ancelotti Sets Strict Fitness Rules for Neymar and Vinicius Jr Ahead of Brazil 2026 World Cup Squad
The esteemed manager, Carlo Ancelotti, has unequivocally declared to both Neymar and Vinicius Junior that achieving their absolute peak physical and performance condition is an indispensable prerequisite for earning a coveted spot in Brazil’s national squad for the upcoming 2026 World Cup.
This statement represents the most unambiguous declaration yet from the coaching maestro to Brazil’s most prominent footballing icons, unequivocally affirming that neither their established fame nor their illustrious past accomplishments will automatically guarantee anyone a coveted place on the international journey to the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Ancelotti’s remarks resonate at an especially precarious juncture for Neymar, whose much-anticipated yet challenging homecoming to Santos has unfortunately been consistently marred by a litany of recurring physical impediments.
Following his departure from Paris Saint-Germain to join Al-Hilal in 2023, Neymar tragically sustained a severe anterior cruciate ligament tear while representing his national team, precipitating an arduous and prolonged eighteen-month battle for recovery and a return to competitive play.
His tenure in the Saudi Pro League, however, regrettably failed to yield the triumphant narrative many had envisioned.
Consequently, by January 2025, he made the poignant decision to return to his roots at Santos, driven by the dual objective of reinvigorating the historic club and simultaneously endeavoring to rescue his imperiled international career.
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The actual circumstances, however, have regrettably proven to be considerably more arduous than initially anticipated, particularly as Neymar has managed to net a mere seven goals across his 25 appearances for Santos.
His subsequent tenure at the club has been overwhelmingly characterized by arduous recovery efforts rather than the hoped-for revitalization.
The attacking player’s persistent minor injuries and ongoing physical impediments have frustratingly precluded him from establishing consistent form and have severely impacted his aspirations of securing re-selection for the national squad.
With only a solitary designated period for international matches left before Brazil commences its World Cup campaign, the metaphorical clock is now audibly and rapidly counting down regarding his future prospects.
Santos’ head coach, Juan Pablo Vojvoda, officially announced on Monday that Neymar has, regrettably, been relegated to the injury list once more, having experienced severe discomfort in his knee both preceding and throughout their recent 1-1 stalemate against Internacional.
Nevertheless, the 33-year-old demonstrated commendable resilience by playing through his discomfort, serving as a catalyst for Santos in their impressive 3-0 triumph over Sport in their most recent top-flight fixture.
This crucial outcome allowed the club to heroically lift themselves clear of the relegation zone, albeit on goal difference.
The manager Sets Firm Stance: Only a Fit Neymar Will Make the Squad
Carlo Ancelotti has diligently maintained an even playing field within the squad, meticulously avoiding any hint of favoritism or preferential treatment towards individual players.
When directly approached regarding the ongoing situation of Neymar, the revered Italian coaching icon delivered an unambiguous and emphatic response.
He concurrently conveyed a distinct caution to Real Madrid’s attacking player, Vinicius Júnior, whose performances this season have, regrettably, not consistently reached his customary peak level of excellence.
“Optimal readiness is absolutely imperative,” Ancelotti affirmed in his conversation with Esporte Record.
“There is an abundance of exceptionally talented individuals in our ranks, and my selection strategy dictates choosing those players who are operating at their full, peak capacity.”
“This stringent criterion applies universally, not just to Neymar,” he elaborated, “it could equally concern a player like Vinicius.
Should Vinicius be operating at 90% of his potential, I would unequivocally call upon another player who is at their absolute 100%.
This is due to the fact that we possess a squad with an extraordinarily high benchmark of skill and competitive prowess, particularly within our offensive department. In the attacking third, we are genuinely blessed with a multitude of formidable options.”
Ancelotti readily acknowledged Neymar’s prodigious innate talent, yet sadly conceded that his illustrious career has been recurrently hampered by ill-timed physical setbacks.
“I believe he is an immensely gifted athlete,” Ancelotti reiterated. “He has unfortunately suffered a series of physical afflictions, which have intrinsically prevented him from maintaining optimal physical conditioning throughout his professional journey.”
Despite the challenges the he’s experiencing, Neymar has unequivocally stated his firm determination to continue pushing forward and performing, even in the face of his most recent physical setback.
Speaking just after his last appearance on the field for Santos, he openly confessed the considerable emotional toll that his repeated injuries have taken on him.
Despite this personal struggle, he maintained an optimistic outlook, expressing his hope that he can still contribute meaningfully to the team’s efforts during these critical final weeks of the current season.
“I am progressively feeling better and better,” Neymar remarked following Friday’s game against Sport. “This particular injury is certainly sad, and it’s quite annoying to deal with.
However, it is fundamentally nothing that will prevent me from doing what I need to do. That is precisely why I persist in playing.” He then elaborated on his immediate priorities:
“Now, the focus must be entirely on Santos; it’s time to concentrate on elevating Santos to where it truly deserves to be, which is back in the top flight of football. And only after achieving that goal will we then assess what steps to take next.”
Fourth World Cup Hope Hinges on Neymar’s Recovery Timeline
The question of whether footballing icon Neymar can secure a place within the prestigious World Cup roster is, regrettably, enveloped in growing uncertainty.
This predicament stems from two critical factors: firstly, his fitness and availability for the remainder of his current club, Santos’ 2025 season, are under considerable doubt.
Secondly, the particular configuration of the Brazilian football calendar severely limits his prospective opportunities for obtaining crucial competitive minutes prior to the month of March.
Absent the crucial element of consistent on-field action, it appears profoundly unlikely that national team manager Ancelotti would extend a special dispensation to the 33-year-old forward, notwithstanding his illustrious and undeniable historical contributions to the Seleção.
One strategic avenue currently under contemplation involves a temporary transfer back to the European football landscape.
This is a region where professional leagues would still be in the midst of their active campaigns during the nascent stages of 2026.
Engaging in competitive European club football could potentially furnish Neymar with the uninterrupted continuity and match sharpness he desperately requires.
This, in turn, might serve as the decisive factor in convincing Ancelotti of his enduring prowess and ability to excel on the sport’s most grand and globally recognized platform.
