Lula Says Ancelotti Sought His View on Neymar’s World Cup Call-Up

Overview

• Brazil’s president disclosed Wednesday in a live broadcast that Carlo Ancelotti asked his view on calling up Neymar for the 2026 World Cup.
• He told the coach that reputation should not decide the squad and said Neymar must show desire and professionalism.
• Ancelotti says he will only take players who are fully fit and has given Neymar roughly two months under CBF assessment to prove readiness.
• Neymar is working back from knee surgery in December 2023 after recurring issues that have limited his recent appearances.
• Santos used the March international break for platelet-rich plasma treatment on his knee to speed recovery, as public interest grows with stars like Lamine Yamal hoping to see him at the tournament.