Ancelotti gave hope
©IMAGO
Since returning to Brazil in January 2025, Neymar has been primarily aware of sporting topics. At his home club FC Santos, the most expensive footballer in history even played back into the haze of the Brazilian national team and hopes to participate in the 2026 World Cup. After not nominated in the past international break, Seleção coach Carlo Ancelotti had publicly given a comeback.
According to the traditional Brazilian club, Neymar had to stop training on Thursday and was extensively examined on Friday. An injury to the right thigh muscle, which is not mentioned in more detail, was found, which will put him out of action indefinitely.
For the 33-year-old, this should continue to delay the way back to the national team. For Brazil, he was last deployed in October 2023, shortly after moving from Paris Saint-Germain to Al-Hilal. Several injuries and only seven games in Saudi Arabia followed before Neymar showed up from his better side again after returning home and was directly involved in nine goals in 21 games.
“If he is in top shape, he will have no problems playing in the national team. Everyone wants to see Neymar in a good physical condition in the national team,” said Ancelotti last week at “ESPN Brasil“. Only the fitness state is still a problem. “In order to be able to exhaust his talent in modern football, a player must be in good physical condition,” emphasized the Italian. At least the next games in October against South Korea (October 10) and Japan (October 14) should still take place without Neymar due to the injury.
