Head coach Carlo Ancelotti reportedly sought the opinion of Brazil’s president, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, on whether star forward Neymar should be included in the squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The revelation was made by Lula during a live session on his YouTube channel, where he disclosed that Ancelotti raised concerns about Neymar’s fitness level, noting that the player is not currently at peak physical condition. The coach is said to be focused on selecting only fully fit players for the tournament.
Speaking on the conversation, Lula recounted that Ancelotti directly asked for his view on Neymar’s inclusion. In response, the president said the forward still possesses the talent but must prove both his fitness and commitment.
He added that if Neymar is willing to return in top form, he could still contribute to the national team, pointing out examples like Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, who continue to perform at the highest level despite their age.
However, Lula stressed that selection should not be based on reputation alone, insisting that Neymar must earn his place through performance on the pitch.
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