Ancelotti Says Neymar has Six Months to Prove World Cup Worthiness
LILLE, France – Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti stated November 17, 2025, that Neymar remains a contender for a spot on the national team’s World Cup roster, but emphasized the 33-year-old forward has approximately six months to demonstrate his form and fitness. Ancelotti made the comments while in Lille for Brazil’s friendly match against Tunisia.
Neymar, currently playing for Santos, has been hampered by recent injuries, raising questions about his ability to contribute to the team in the United States. Though, Ancelotti indicated the door isn’t closed, explaining that Neymar is on a preliminary list of players under consideration. The Brazilian league season concludes December 7th, after which Neymar will have an opportunity to rest and then showcase his abilities when the new season begins.
“neymar is on the list of players likely to participate in the World Cup,” Ancelotti told reporters at a press conference.”He now has six months to join the final list and we only have one thing to do: observe him like the others to try not to make any mistakes in the final list. He recovered from his injury. He now has six months to play. In reality, the Brazilian championship ends on December 7, but after that he can take a vacation. Then, when the new Brazilian championship starts, he will have time to show all his qualities and also his physical condition.”
The article was originally published November 17,2025,at 16:29 and updated at 17:19.
