The debate surrounding Neymar’s potential inclusion in Brazil’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup is intensifying. The conversation gained even more traction this week following some remarkably candid comments from Brazilian football icon and 1994 World Cup champion, Rai.
While Neymar remains the all-time leading goalscorer for the Seleção, lingering questions about his physical readiness are casting a long shadow over what could be his final tournament on the global stage.
A Blunt Assessment from a Legend
Speaking on the French sports program Rothen S’enflamme, Rai offered a brutally honest evaluation of the 34-year-old forward. While acknowledging Neymar’s undeniable natural talent, Rai argued that the veteran currently lacks the physical engine required to survive the grueling demands of top-tier international football.
“Neymar isn’t in his best form. He’s had a lot of physical problems and can’t get back to his peak, and he’s also lost some speed,” Rai explained during the broadcast. “Of course, he still has some great passes, he’s still a star. But right now, I think he hasn’t reached the level he needs.”
Cautious Comeback at Santos
Following his departure from Saudi club Al Hilal, Neymar has returned to his boyhood club, Santos, in a bid to resurrect his career. Since the start of the current campaign, he has made nine appearances across domestic and continental competitions, producing a respectable return of four goals and four assists.
However, those numbers do not tell the whole story. The Santos medical staff is micromanaging his playing time to an extreme degree. Terrified of a recurring injury, the club is heavily restricting his minutes. This caution stems directly from the devastating knee injury Neymar suffered during a World Cup qualifier against Uruguay in October 2023—a match that currently stands as his last appearance for the national team.
Ancelotti’s Demands and the Looming Deadline
Earning a recall is no longer based purely on reputation, especially with Carlo Ancelotti at the helm. The Italian tactician is reportedly laying down the law, prioritizing players who are in absolute peak physical condition for the high-intensity North American campaign.
With Brazil expected to officially announce its final World Cup squad on May 18th, the clock is ticking for Neymar to prove his fitness. The coming weeks will be heavily scrutinized as Ancelotti and his staff monitor the forward’s health.
For a player whose entire career has been defined by spectacular moments and crushing weight of expectations, the 2026 World Cup was supposed to be his glorious last dance. Now, there is a very real possibility that the dance might happen without him entirely.
