Brazil President Lula Discusses Neymar's World Cup Fate with Coach Ancelotti

Neymar's inclusion in Brazil's World Cup squad remains uncertain as debate continues over his recent form and fitness.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 5:09pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting in bold colors depicting a soccer player or match, conceptually representing the complex discussions around Neymar's World Cup selection.A cubist interpretation of the debate surrounding Neymar's potential inclusion in Brazil's World Cup squad, reflecting the fractured perspectives and high-stakes decision-making process.Cincinnati Today

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva revealed that he spoke directly with national team coach Carlo Ancelotti about Neymar's potential inclusion in Brazil's World Cup squad. Lula said he told Ancelotti that Neymar needs to prove his fitness and commitment on the pitch to earn his spot, rather than relying on his reputation alone.

Why it matters

Neymar's status for the World Cup has been a major talking point in Brazil, with concerns over his recent performances and consistency. The president's involvement in the discussion highlights the high-profile nature of the debate and the pressure on Ancelotti to make the right decision for the national team.

The details

Recent matches for Santos have shown flashes of Neymar's quality, but doubts remain over his fitness and consistency. Ancelotti has been in direct communication with Lula about Neymar's potential inclusion, with the president stating that the player needs to demonstrate his professionalism and earn his spot through his performances on the pitch, rather than relying on his reputation alone.

  • Neymar is expected to start for Santos in their Copa Sudamericana match against Recoleta today, which could offer him a chance to build momentum and strengthen his case for World Cup selection.
  • Lula revealed the conversation with Ancelotti during a live broadcast on his YouTube channel on Tuesday.

The players

Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva

The current president of Brazil, who has been involved in discussions with the national team coach about Neymar's potential inclusion in the World Cup squad.

Carlo Ancelotti

The head coach of the Brazilian national team, who has been in communication with President Lula about Neymar's World Cup selection.

Neymar

The Brazilian footballer who currently plays for Santos and is facing uncertainty over his inclusion in Brazil's World Cup squad due to concerns over his recent form and fitness.

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What they’re saying

“'I had the chance to speak with Ancelotti, and he asked me: 'Do you think Neymar should be called up?' I said: 'Look, Ancelotti, if he's physically fit, he's got the football. What I need to know is whether he actually wants it.'”

— Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, President of Brazil

“'If he does, then he has to be professional. He can look at someone like Cristiano Ronaldo, he can look at Messi, and still go to the national team, because he's not old yet. But he can't expect to go just on his name. He has to earn it on the pitch,'”

— Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, President of Brazil

What’s next

Neymar is expected to start for Santos in their Copa Sudamericana match against Recoleta today, which could be an opportunity for him to showcase his form and fitness ahead of the World Cup selection decisions.

The takeaway

The debate over Neymar's inclusion in Brazil's World Cup squad has reached the highest levels of government, with President Lula emphasizing that the player needs to earn his spot through consistent performances and professionalism, rather than relying on his reputation alone. This highlights the pressure on Neymar to prove his worth and the importance of the national team's decision-making process.