Ancelotti Defends Neymar Selection Process, Declares “I Have No Debt too Anyone”
BOSTON – Brazil‘s national team manager, Carlo Ancelotti, firmly asserted his independence in player selection Friday, stating he owes no favors to any athlete, including star forward Neymar. The comments came during a press conference dominated by questions regarding Neymar’s potential inclusion in the squad for the 2026 World Cup.
Reporters pressed Ancelotti on whether Neymar’s recent performances – five goals and one assist in Santos’ games against Mirassol, Sport, and Juventude despite a recent left knee injury – warranted a call-up. Ancelotti, while maintaining a measured tone, appeared slightly irritated by the repeated questioning, responding, ”I have no debt to anyone,” referencing Neymar’s established history with the Brazilian team.
“I understand very well that you are very interested in Neymar,” Ancelotti explained. “I want to make it clear: we are in December, the World cup is in June. I will make the squad that will play in May.” He emphasized that selection will be based purely on merit. “If Neymar deserves to be in the World cup, if he is well, if he is better than someone else or like someone else, he will play in the World Cup and that’s it.”
Currently, Neymar has appeared in 27 games this season, scoring 11 goals and providing 4 assists. Brazil is grouped with Morocco, Haiti, and Scotland for the tournament’s group stage, debuting against Morocco on June 13 in either Boston or new Jersey. The Seleção will then face Haiti on June 19 in Boston or Philadelphia, and conclude the group phase against Scotland on June 24 in Atlanta or Miami.Brazil is seeking its sixth World Cup title,having last lifted the trophy in 2002. The team has since been eliminated in the semifinals (2014) and quarterfinals (2006, 2010, 2018, 2022).
