See Why Ronaldo Urges Ancelotti to Recall Neymar for 2026 World Cup

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Brazilian football legend Ronaldo Nazário has called on national team coach Carlo Ancelotti to reinstate Neymar in the squad ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Neymar, 33, has not featured for Brazil since October 2023 after suffering a cruciate knee ligament injury during a World Cup qualifier against Uruguay. He returned to boyhood club Santos in January this year following a difficult stint with Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal, where he played only seven matches across all competitions.

Despite regaining fitness and playing regularly for Santos, Neymar has not been included in Ancelotti’s call-ups since the Italian tactician assumed charge.

Ronaldo Makes the Case

Speaking during a publicity event in São Paulo, Ronaldo, a two-time World Cup winner and Brazil’s second all-time leading scorer with 62 goals in 99 games, insisted Neymar remains irreplaceable for the Selecão.

“He is a decisive player for the Brazilian Selecao. We don’t have another player like Neymar,” Ronaldo said.
“The people hope 100 per cent that he will go to the World Cup, because if he is there, we will definitely have better results than if he’s not there.”

Neymar’s Injury Troubles

The forward has endured a string of injuries in recent years, notably missing Brazil’s victorious 2019 Copa America campaign on home soil. His move to Al Hilal in August 2023 also ended in frustration, with just one goal in five appearances before the knee injury sidelined him for a year.

After a brief return to action with the Saudi side, Neymar mutually terminated his contract and signed with Santos, where he has since featured consistently.

Ancelotti’s Position

Last month, Ancelotti defended his decision to exclude Neymar from World Cup qualifiers, stressing that the player needs to fully regain his physical condition.

“He needs to get in better shape to help the national team and to give the best of himself at the World Cup,” Ancelotti said.

Brazil, five-time world champions, will be seeking redemption after their quarter-final exit in Qatar 2022, with fans hopeful that Neymar — their all-time leading scorer with 79 goals — can play a pivotal role in North America next year.