'He can fit into the national team' – Ancelotti backs Neymar for Brazil return
As Brazil gear up to face Japan on Tuesday, Carlo Ancelotti has backed Neymar to make a return to their squad for the 2026 World Cup.
Carlo Ancelotti has backed Neymar to force his way back into the Brazil squad ahead of next year's World Cup.
The Selecao, who thrashed South Korea 5-0 in Seoul last time out, are looking to register their fourth win in five games as they head to the Tokyo Stadium to face Japan in a friendly on Tuesday.
Brazil have won their last six meetings with Japan, including a 4-1 thumping at the 2006 World Cup, where the two sides met in the group stage.
Ancelotti, who became Brazil’s first non-native coach in 60 years when he took charge in May, has already led the five-time world champions to qualification for next year's tournament in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
Neymar, who is Brazil's record goalscorer, was not selected for Ancelotti's latest squad. Indeed, the 33-year-old has not been picked by his country since 2023.
But Ancelotti suggested the door is open for Neymar to return, should the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star prove his fitness.
"If Neymar is in [a] good condition, then of course he can fit into the national team," Ancelotti said.
"If Neymar is fit then he can play in any team in the world."
Neymar has netted three times in the league for Santos this season, in 13 appearances, with his minutes limited by injuries.
He is yet to provide an assist in Brazil's top flight this term, but has created 29 chances.
While Neymar is heading into the twilight of his career, exciting talent Estevao is just getting started.
The 18-year-old Chelsea forward scored twice against South Korea, with Real Madrid's Rodrygo and Vinicius Junior, who Ancelotti coached while at Los Blancos, also on the scoresheet.
"Brazilian players have the quality to play beautiful football but you have to think about what you mean by beautiful football," Ancelotti added.
"Brazilian players have individual quality but that is combined with teamwork and movement off the ball, and that’s very important in football.
"My goal is to give my best for the Brazil national team, to try to get them to perform at their best and to win the World Cup.
"Of course, no foreign-born coach has ever won the World Cup but there is always a first time in life."
