Neymar Jr is described as "the prince who never became king" in football, symbolising a player with immense talent and flair who was expected to inherit the throne of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo but never achieved the same ultimate or top individual honours.
The Brazil national team head coach, Carlo Ancelotti, is focused on building a new-look squad for the 2026 World Cup while navigating potential drama regarding Neymar's fitness and role. Ancelotti has finalised a core of 24 players, excluding Neymar, for the 2026 national team squad. With intense competition for the final spots, the gaffer faces pressure from fans all over the world regarding Neymar's presence in the Brazil national team.
Fans and some media personalities feel that Neymar’s talent is too magical and significant to leave out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, arguing that he is a "star" who can change the game completely, regardless of fitness levels. Neymar is working out to reach 100% fitness so that he still has a chance of being in the squad. Ancelotti has stated that the door is still open if he can reach 100% fitness. Neymar gave a message to Ancelotti at a stage event recently, saying, "We are going to do the impossible to bring the cup to Brazil," and he told Ancelotti, "Help us!"
Following the World Cup group stage, Ancelotti said that Neymar's quality is undeniable but he needs to be 100% fit to fit into the national team, with "no privileges for anyone".
Ancelotti stated, "I don't owe anything to anyone; if Neymar deserves to be there and is better than everyone else, he will play." Ancelotti indicates that the final list for the World Cup will only be decided on 18 May 2026, leaving the door open for the return of the number 10 depending on his performance at Santos FC. In September 2025, after being left out of a call-up, Neymar even countered Ancelotti’s justification of physical problems, stating that his absence was due to a technical decision, since he was fit to play.