“Neymar can be at the World Cup too. If he can reach the next World Cup at 100 per cent, he can be at the World Cup,” stated Brazil’s national team manager Carlo Ancelotti, highlighting the ongoing debate about Neymar’s fitness and future in international football.
Neymar, who celebrated his 34th birthday in February 2026, has been left out of Ancelotti’s latest squad for the national team. This decision comes as a disappointment to the star player himself, who expressed his feelings by saying, “Of course, I’m sad, but I’ll always support the national team.” The exclusion raises questions about his readiness and ability to compete at the highest level.
Despite being Brazil’s record all-time scorer, Neymar’s career has been marred by injuries, which have affected his performance and availability for crucial matches. His market value currently stands at €10.00 million, a reflection of his status in the football world, though it is lower than that of some of his contemporaries, such as Sadio Mané, whose market value is €7.00 million.
Historically, Neymar has been a prolific contributor to his teams, amassing a remarkable 379 goal contributions in 359 games during his time at Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain. This impressive record places him among the elite players in football history, yet comparisons to other greats, such as Thierry Henry, have sparked debate. Roy Keane recently stated that “Thierry Henry was better than prime Neymar,” igniting discussions about the true impact of Neymar’s career.
What observers say
Amidst the discussions, a viewer on the Stick to Football podcast remarked, “No Premier League player in history is better than prime Neymar!” This sentiment reflects the divided opinions on Neymar’s legacy and current standing in the sport.
As Neymar continues to work towards regaining full fitness, the question remains: can he overcome the challenges and make it back to the national squad in time for the World Cup? Ancelotti’s comments suggest that while Neymar has the potential to be included, it hinges on his ability to reach peak fitness.
With the World Cup looming, Neymar’s journey will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike. His determination to support the national team, despite personal disappointment, speaks volumes about his commitment to Brazilian football. As he navigates this critical phase of his career, the football community eagerly anticipates the next developments in Neymar’s quest for glory on the world stage.