Carlo Ancelotti Asks President Of Brazil For Advice On Neymar World Cup Call-Up

Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti has taken the extraordinary step of consulting the country's president, Lula, over whether Neymar should be included in the squad for the 2026 World Cup. The Santos forward's international future has become a matter of state importance as he battles recurring fitness issues in his homeland.

In a surprising revelation, Brazil's president Lula has confirmed that Ancelotti reached out to him to gauge the public and political appetite for Neymar's return to the Selecao. The 80-year-old head of state detailed the conversation during a live broadcast on his YouTube channel, highlighting the immense pressure surrounding the 34-year-old's potential inclusion.

Lula said: "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.' If he does, then he has to be professional. He can look at someone like Cristiano Ronaldo, he can look at [Lionel] 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."

(Getty Images Sport)

While Ancelotti is willing to listen to the president, his public stance remains rooted in performance. The Italian tactician has insisted that reputation alone will not secure a place on the plane to North America, especially following Neymar's recent struggles with a knee injury that required surgery in December. Ancelotti has made it clear that he will only call up players who are physically ready to compete at the highest level.

"Neymar is capable of coming back. I have said it several times, and it is very clear: I will