After a highly anticipated return to his boyhood club, Santos FC, Neymar Jr. appeared to be on the right track for a triumphant comeback at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. However, time is ticking, and the veteran forward’s chances of representing the Seleção are reportedly fading. Brazil’s head coach, Carlo Ancelotti, is increasingly looking toward younger, in-form talent to fill the final attacking spots on his 26-man roster.
Endrick and Emerging Talents Lead the Race for Brazil’s Squad
According to reports from GeGlobo, Carlo Ancelotti and his coaching staff currently view Neymar’s inclusion in the upcoming World Cup squad as unlikely. Instead, the focus has shifted to the next generation of Brazilian attackers.
Endrick, who currently shines for Olympique Lyon, is in prime physical condition and recently delivered a standout performance against Croatia. Ancelotti has already praised the young phenomenon as the “future of the national team,” making him a near-lock for the tournament.
Furthermore, Neymar faces stiff competition from established system players like Lucas Paquetá and Igor Thiago. With these stars already integrated into Ancelotti’s tactical setup, carving out a space for the 34-year-old veteran is proving to be a difficult puzzle.
A Missed Opportunity to Impress Carlo Ancelotti
Neymar’s road back to the national team hit a significant roadblock recently due to workload management. Seeking to avoid re-injury after a major knee surgery, Neymar opted to sit out of the recent Santos vs. Mirassol match.
Unfortunately, Ancelotti was reportedly in attendance specifically to evaluate him. By missing this crucial domestic fixture, the forward lost a prime opportunity to make his case directly to the coaching staff, reportedly leaving them disappointed.
Neymar Continues to Shine at Santos FC
Despite the national team drama, there is no denying that Neymar is still producing magic on the pitch. Since returning from his knee surgery, he has been the undeniable creative engine for Santos FC.
- Matches Played: 5
- Goals Scored: 3
- Assists Provided: 2
He isn’t just delivering on the stat sheet; Neymar is acting as the primary playmaker and organizing the squad during a chaotic period for the club. He has proven that the technical brilliance is still there, but durability remains the ultimate question mark for the international stage.
The Final Countdown: Can Neymar Secure His Spot?
While Ancelotti is full of doubts regarding the veteran’s ability to withstand the physical demands of a World Cup, the door is not permanently closed. Mota reports that the Italian manager remains open to calling Neymar up—provided his performances over the next few weeks are impossible to ignore.
With the final 26-man Brazil squad set to be announced on May 18 in Rio de Janeiro, Neymar has just over a month to silence the critics, manage his fitness, and prove to Carlo Ancelotti that he still belongs on football’s biggest stage.
