Neymar’s Uncertain Return to Brazil’s National Team

Neymar has once again been omitted from Brazil’s national squad, as coach Carlo Ancelotti asserts that the forward still needs to demonstrate his physical readiness following a prolonged and challenging recovery period. The Santos forward has been eager to rejoin the national team ahead of the upcoming World Cup, yet his situation remains precarious.

The 33-year-old has not played for the Selecao since sustaining a ruptured knee ligament during a match against Uruguay in October 2023, which sidelined him for nearly a year. Although he briefly rejoined Brazil’s setup in early 2025, ongoing fitness concerns hindered his full comeback, and he has remained excluded since. His latest appearance in club football was during Santos’ 1-1 draw with Fortaleza, where he was gradually reintroduced from the bench.

Ancelotti, who has consistently acknowledged Neymar’s elite talent when fully fit, clarified that while the opportunity for his return is still open, Neymar must first demonstrate consistent availability and performance. In his most recent squad announcement, Ancelotti stated that he had not engaged in recent discussions with Neymar and would only reconsider him once he is competing regularly at a high level.

Despite being one of Brazil’s all-time leading goal scorers, Neymar is facing a race against time to convince both club and country that he can meet the demands of top-level football. Nevertheless, Casemiro remains confident in Neymar’s potential to make a significant impact, placing him among some of the biggest names he has shared a dressing room with.

In an interview with Globo, Casemiro expressed, “I have had the pleasure of playing with great players such as Cristiano Ronaldo at his peak, Luka Modric, and Gareth Bale. It is inevitable to include Neymar on that list. Each player has their own style, but if Neymar is physically and mentally fit, he is undoubtedly the best. I have known Neymar since I was 12; he has always been exceptional and capable of deciding a game at any moment. It is a privilege to have played alongside him. His success in football is not merely a matter of talent; it requires hard work and dedication.”

Casemiro believes that Brazil’s national team should be structured around a star like Neymar, drawing parallels to Lionel Messi’s pivotal role in Argentina’s World Cup triumph in 2022. “If I need to exert myself on the field to facilitate his scoring opportunities, I will do so. Neymar’s presence is crucial; he has the quality we need.”

When asked if it is tactically wise to adjust the team to accommodate Neymar, he responded affirmatively, noting how Argentina tailored their strategy around Messi. “The undeniable quality of these players cannot be wasted; they are the ones who can tip the scales in tight matches. For example, Neymar scored a crucial goal against Croatia that helped solve Brazil’s dilemma in a challenging game.”

Casemiro also highlighted Ancelotti’s influence as a vital component of Brazil’s progress, stating, “He has a unique ability to unite the group, encompassing both players and staff. If you evaluate our squad, we have a core group of players who could represent any national team, and we are well-equipped.”

As Brazil prepares for friendly matches against Senegal and Tunisia in the coming months, Ancelotti is expected to refine the tactical approach to optimize key attackers. Meanwhile, Neymar’s physical condition continues to be of paramount importance, particularly given his recent injuries and ongoing adaptation at Santos.