News Focus
- Carlo Ancelotti includes Neymar in Brazil’s World Cup squad despite only eight home matches for Santos this season
- Former captain Cafu defends the decision, insisting Neymar can still decide big matches if physically ready
- The recall mirrors past selection dramas involving Romario, whose 1994 return brought glory but 1998 absence led to final defeat
- Ancelotti hopes Neymar’s presence will inspire teammates without creating pressure, though questions over his match fitness remain
- Brazil seeks redemption after quarter-final heartbreak against Croatia in 2022
Carlo Ancelotti has named Neymar in his Brazil squad for the World Cup. The Italian coach hopes the forward can help the five-time champions lift the trophy again. However, the decision has sparked debate across the football world.
The player is now 34 years old. He has not worn the national shirt since 2023. Ancelotti previously stated that Neymar must prove his fitness before returning. Yet he has selected him after just eight matches for Santos. All of those games took place at home.
Former captain Cafu supports the move. He was the last man to lift the World Cup for Brazil. “Neymar can help any team,” he told Sky Sports. “When he plays well, physically and technically, he lifts the whole squad.” Fans have not seen this version of the player for some time.
The forward’s history with the national team is emotional. In 2010, coaches left him out of the squad. In 2014, injury struck during the home tournament. This happened before the humiliating 7-1 defeat to Germany. Fitness problems also disrupted his 2018 and 2022 campaigns. In Qatar, he scored a brilliant extra-time goal against Croatia. But the match went to penalties, and Brazil lost.
Now, many feel he deserves a final chance at glory. Ancelotti admits Joao Pedro was unlucky to miss out. Some say this shows the coach likes to gamble on pure talent. Throughout his career, Ancelotti has trusted star players to deliver in key moments. Even today, Neymar’s best level remains higher than most.
There is another reason for the recall. The media attention around the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain attacker would continue either way. By picking him, Ancelotti shifts the pressure to Neymar. The plan is for brief, impactful appearances that inspire the team.
This situation mirrors past dramas. In 1994, Carlos Alberto Parreira did not want to pick Romario. He changed his mind for the final qualifier against Uruguay. Romario scored twice in a 2-0 win. Brazil went on to win the tournament. In 1998, Mario Zagallo left Romario out. Brazil lost 3-0 to France in the final.
Cafu played under Ancelotti at AC Milan. He trusts his former boss. When asked who will win this summer, he smiled. “Brazil, definitely,” he said. “This team has huge potential.” But potential differs from reality. For a 34-year-old Neymar, the risk is clear.