WBrazil have already established themselves as favorites to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup for a historic sixth time, starting on June 11 in the United States, Canada and Mexico. But as expectations rise, especially regarding Neymar’s future, the intervention of Brazilian President Lula has added intrigue to the situation.
Speaking at the World Cup Trophy Tour ceremony at the Planalto Palace in Braslia, Lula (full name Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva) revealed that he believes the Selecao are capable players under coach Carlo Ancelotti.
“I’m sure we’ll win this cup,” Lula said. “I spoke to Ancelotti and he turned out to be a straightforward and completely serious person.”
This support shows the organization’s faith in the Italian coach appointed to lead Brazil back to world supremacy.
Neymar arrives at Santos training in a vintage VW Kombi with a personal twist
But it was Lula’s subsequent remarks that garnered the most attention, and were widely interpreted as being aimed at Neymar, the country’s biggest star.
“(Ancelotti) is convinced that only those who are 100 percent healthy can play,” Lula said.
“He doesn’t call someone up based on name. Only if that person plays, trains and is ready. If the coach is serious, the players understand that they have a responsibility.”
Selected based on fitness, not fame
Neymar, currently 33 years old, has been absent from the Brazil national team since suffering a torn cruciate ligament in a match against Uruguay on October 17, 2023.
This injury sidelined him for an extended period of time and forced him to suspend international action at a critical stage in his career.
After a disastrous spell in Saudi Arabia with Al Hilal, Neymar returned to his formative club Santos in January 2025.
Since returning to Santos, he has made 21 appearances, started 17, and registered eight goals and one assist, encouraging numbers that suggest he can make a competitive comeback on the international stage.
Most recently, he produced one of the standout performances of the year, scoring twice and playing the full 90 minutes in a 2-1 win against Vasco da Gama.
The display reignited the debate about whether he can still make an impact in the majors. However, Ancelotti has already established a clear standard of fitness for Neymar to reach.
“He has to be 100 percent,” Ancelotti told Esporte Record when asked about Neymar on December 1, 2025.
“There are a lot of very good players. We need to choose a player who is 100 percent. It’s not just Neymar, it could be (Real Madrid forward) Vincius.”
“If Vincius is at 90 percent, I’m going to call on another player who’s at 100 percent, because this is a team that has a very high level of ability, especially up front. There’s a lot of really good players up front.”
Rise of young stars threatening Neymar’s status
The depth of attacking options, including Chelsea’s Estevao and Bournemouth’s Ryan, could ultimately complicate Neymar’s path.
Ancelotti’s insistence on peak condition signals a cultural reset within Brazil’s national system, which has long praised star players over in-form players from Europe and South America.
The Selecao will be placed in Group C and will open their World Cup match against Morocco on June 13th. Ancelotti’s side will face France on March 26th and Croatia on March 31st in their final friendlies before finalizing their 26-man squad by the end of May.
For Neymar, his talent is undeniable and he won’t need another chance to audition. Instead, his condition remains under scrutiny and will be monitored through Ancelotti’s medical staff.
As Lula’s comments suggest, his iconic status alone will not secure him a place in the team. If Brazil are chasing a sixth star, Neymar will be fully present.
