The Brazilian President determines Neymar’s position on participating in the World Cup

Should Neymar participate in the World Cup? In Brazil, it is of national importance. For President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, the 34-year-old striker still has the potential to lead the Seleção to a sixth title, but he needs to be physically fit.

Neymar suffers from repeated injuries, which has closed the national team’s door in his face since Italian Carlo Ancelotti took over as coach of the five-time world champions last year.

Lula revealed in an interview with electronic media on Tuesday that he discussed Neymar’s situation with the Italian coach.

The leftist president recounted while laughing, “I spoke with Ancelotti and he asked me: Do you think Neymar should be summoned? I answered him: If he is physically ready, then he has the level to do so.”

Ancelotti is expected to announce the Brazilian national team’s roster of 26 players for the World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico (June 11 – July 19) on May 18.

Neymar, the Brazilian national team’s all-time top scorer with 79 goals, two goals ahead of the legendary Pele, participated for the last time in the yellow jersey in October 2023.

After his return last year to Santos, his parent club, from Al Hilal Saudi Arabia, the former Barcelona, ​​Spain and Paris Saint-Germain striker only participated in seven matches out of the 21 official matches his team played this season.