Brazilian star Neymar still has time to recover from recent injuries and be well enough to play in this summer’s World Cup, according to Brazilian coach Carlo Ancelotti.
“He is capable of returning to 100 percent,” Ancelotti said The teamin response to questions about Neymar. “He is being assessed by the CBF (Brazilian Football Federation) and by me, and he still has two months to show that he has what it takes to play at the next World Cup.”
Neymar was a regular in the Brazilian national team from 2013 and has not played for his country since 2023, when he suffered problems with his left knee.
He underwent minor knee surgery on December 22 and during the international break in early April he reportedly underwent platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatment to further aid his recovery.
“After his knee injury (in December), Neymar has made a good recovery,” Ancelotti said. «He is scoring goals. He has to continue on this path and improve his fitness. He is on the right track.»
The 34-year-old, who has scored more goals for Brazil than anyone else (79), has spoken openly about his desire to be part of Brazil’s World Cup squad for the tournament in North America this summer.
Neymar currently captains Santos in Serie A, Brazil’s top football league, where his contract expires at the end of the calendar year. He was formerly one of the world’s best attacking players during his time at Barcelona (2013-17) and Paris Saint-Germain (2017-23), where he played alongside Lionel Messi at both clubs.
An ankle injury delayed Neymar before he left Paris Saint-Germain, leading to a spell at Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia, where his short tenure was cut short due to a torn anterior cruciate ligament. He returned to action in January 2025 when he switched to Santos.
In five games for Santos this season, Neymar scored three goals and two assists. He had missed the previous two games for Santos but played all 90 minutes in Saturday’s 1-0 win over Atletico Mineiro.
“Neymar is improving with every game,” Santos coach Cuca said after Saturday’s match, per ESPN. «He will stay behind to train. His movement on the ball is much better and he will probably get better. It is risky to play against him for the full 90 minutes; we will see if he can handle it, and we will aim for him to be able to play on Tuesday.»
Last season, his first year playing professionally in his home country, he scored eight goals and one assist in 20 games (17 starts).
“Neymar has made and continues to make history in Brazilian football,” Ancelotti said. «He is a great talent and it is only natural that people think he can help us win the next World Cup.»
However, Neymar has not featured in any of Ancelotti’s squads since the Italian took over the team last June.
«I have said this several times and it is very clear: I will call up the players who are physically ready,» Ancelotti said.
Published on April 14, 2026
