What observers say
“Neymar can be at the World Cup too. If he can reach the next World Cup at 100 per cent, he can be at the World Cup,” stated Carlo Ancelotti, the manager of the Brazilian national team. This comment comes as Neymar, Brazil’s record all-time scorer, faces uncertainty regarding his participation in the upcoming World Cup.
Neymar, who celebrated his 34th birthday in February 2026, has been left out of Ancelotti’s latest squad due to concerns about his fitness. The manager emphasized that Neymar is not at 100% and needs to keep working to be considered for the prestigious tournament. This decision has left Neymar feeling disappointed, as he expressed, “Of course, I’m sad, but I’ll always support the national team.”
Throughout his illustrious career, Neymar has been a key player for Brazil, contributing significantly to the team’s successes. He has a market value of €10.00 million, reflecting his status as one of the top players in the world. However, his career has been marred by injuries, which have affected his performance and availability for both club and country.
In terms of historical performance, Neymar has made a remarkable impact during his time at Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, contributing to 379 goals in 359 games. This impressive statistic highlights his ability to influence matches and secure victories for his teams. Comparatively, Thierry Henry, another football legend, contributed to 334 goals in 377 games at Arsenal, showcasing the high level of competition between these two players.
Despite the ongoing discussions about his fitness and future, Neymar remains a figure of immense talent and potential. His ability to perform at the highest level has been acknowledged by many, including a viewer on the Stick to Football podcast, who stated, “No Premier League player in history is better than prime Neymar!” This sentiment underscores Neymar’s legacy in the sport.
As the World Cup draws closer, the Brazilian national team will need to assess Neymar’s condition and readiness. The stakes are high, and with the tournament being a significant milestone in any player’s career, Neymar’s desire to participate is palpable. His absence from the squad raises questions about the team’s strategy and the potential impact on Brazil’s chances in the tournament.
While Neymar’s future remains uncertain, his commitment to the national team is unwavering. As he continues to work towards regaining his fitness, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if he can make a triumphant return to the international stage. Details remain unconfirmed regarding his potential inclusion in future matches, but the hope remains that Neymar will be able to showcase his talents once again on the world stage.