Brazilian media reports indicate that veteran Italian coach Carlo Ancelotti , manager of the Brazilian national team, has set strict and clear criteria for the participation of star player Neymar da Silva , currently with Saudi club Al-Hilal, in the 2026 World Cup finals. According to the Brazilian website Yol, Neymar's future with the Seleção hinges on meeting specific, non-negotiable conditions, thus putting an end to the idea of selecting players based solely on names and past achievements.
General context: Ancelotti's philosophy and a national team searching for its identity
This move comes as the Brazilian Football Confederation seeks to return the national team to the world stage, after a World Cup title drought since 2002. Carlo Ancelotti, with his illustrious history managing top European clubs like Real Madrid and AC Milan, is known as a coach who prioritizes tactical discipline and collective performance over isolated individual skills. His philosophy rests on the principle that physical fitness and adherence to the game plan are the foundations of success, which explains his decision to impose strict requirements even on a player of Neymar's caliber, the national team's all-time leading scorer. Ancelotti aims to build a well-rounded team that doesn't rely on a single star, but rather on a strong system capable of competing at the highest level.
The significance of the event: Neymar's future and the dream of the last trophy
These conditions take on added significance given Neymar's current situation. The player, who will be 34 years old at the 2026 World Cup, understands that this could be his last chance to achieve his ultimate dream of winning the World Cup. After his move to the Saudi league and suffering a serious cruciate ligament injury, his physical condition and ability to return to his previous form have been called into question. Ancelotti's decision presents a direct challenge to Neymar, putting the ball in his court to prove that he is still capable of performing with the same intensity and commitment required to play for the Brazilian national team on the world's biggest football stage.
Terms and conditions: Full commitment for 90 minutes
The report confirmed that Ancelotti will only include Neymar in the Seleção squad if he is 100% physically fit. The conditions include the player being able to maintain a high tempo throughout matches, contribute to defensive pressure, and fit seamlessly into the coach's tactical system. There will be zero tolerance for any decline in physical condition or failure to fulfill tactical obligations for the full 90 minutes. With this, Ancelotti is sending a clear message that emotional attachments and a player's history will not influence his tactical decisions, and that the absolute priority will be given to the player who is most prepared and capable of contributing to the team.
