Khaberni - “The Selecao” coach, Italian Carlo Ancelotti, asked Brazilian President Lula da Silva whether he should select Neymar Silva Junior for the 2026 World Cup.
Neymar, the star of the Brazilian national team, has played 128 matches with "Samba," but the participation of the Santos striker in this summer’s upcoming World Cup is now in doubt, after the country's president expressed his opinion.
The British newspaper Mirror reported that Neymar has been informed that just the mention of his name by the President of Brazil does not guarantee him a spot in the 2026 World Cup.
It is noted that the player, currently 34 years old and playing for his childhood club Santos, has participated in 128 matches for the Brazilian national team during his brilliant football career.
Continued: "Despite his accomplishments with the national team, Carlo Ancelotti has not called up Neymar since he took over as coach last year. However, there are increasing demands in South America for Neymar to be included in the national team lineup participating in this summer's World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada."
It added that the head of state Lula da Silva had expressed his opinion in the discussion—and even revealed that he spoke with Ancelotti about whether "The Fragile One” should be called up.
The 80-year-old man said in a conversation with the media: "I had the opportunity to talk with Ancelotti, and he asked me: Do you think Neymar should be called up?"
I said: "Look Ancelotti, if he is physically fit, he has the talent. What I want to know is if he really wants it, if so, he needs to be professional."
