Lula urges ancelotti: neymar’s fitness or no place in world cup squad
President Lula, in a surprisingly candid interview, revealed a direct conversation with Carlo Ancelotti regarding the contentious question of Neymar’s inclusion in Brazil’s World Cup squad. The exchange, relayed through TV 247 and several Brazilian publications, suggests Ancelotti is actively considering the PSG superstar’s availability – and Lula’s bluntly honest assessment hasn’t been subtle.
A presidential plea, delivered with steel
“I had the opportunity to speak with Ancelotti, and he asked me: ‘Do you think we should call up Neymar?’ And I responded: ‘Look, Ancelotti, if he’s physically prepared, he has the footballing quality.’ It’s about whether he wants it, and if he does, he has to be professional,” Lula stated. The comment, delivered with a characteristic no-nonsense tone, immediately injects a dose of reality into the ongoing debate surrounding Brazil’s selection.
Neymar’s absence from the national team since Ancelotti took charge in May 2025 – a full two years – is a significant factor. A persistent ankle injury, suffered during a qualifier against Uruguay, has kept him sidelined. But Ancelotti, in a recent interview with L’Equipe, has repeatedly signaled a willingness to consider the player, setting a two-month deadline for him to demonstrate his readiness.
“He has two months to prove he has the qualities necessary to play the World Cup,” Ancelotti conceded. “He has to keep going in that direction and improve his physical condition. He’s going in the right direction.” This cautious optimism, however, doesn’t negate the fundamental issue: Neymar’s recent struggles with fitness and form.
Lula’s intervention adds another layer to the narrative. The former president’s insistence on demanding absolute physical fitness – a hallmark of Ancelotti’s approach – underscores the immense pressure on Neymar to perform. The Canarinha, currently positioned in Group C alongside Scotland, Haiti, and Morocco, will undoubtedly be watching closely as the roster decisions are finalized on May 18th. The future of Brazil’s World Cup campaign, it seems, hinges on a single player’s ability to overcome his own demons and meet the exacting standards demanded by his coach – and now, a surprisingly vocal presidential advisor.