Per a report from La Gazetta Dello Sport, details emerged via Ancelotti’s son Davide Ancelotti that Neymar was indeed part of the provisional list submitted to FIFA. “If he’s on that list, it’s because his physical condition is improving. Then, until May 18, we’ll reduce the list to the 26 who will travel to the United States,” Ancelotti’s son stated.

Now, the superstar has two high-stakes fixtures against Coritiba—spanning both the Copa do Brasil on May 13 and the Brasileirao on May 17—to convince Ancelotti that he deserves a spot in the final 26-man roster, which is expected to be announced on Monday next week.

His potential inclusion has ignited a firestorm across Brazilian social media, with Estevao’s injury in the middle and particularly after he was left out of the Selecao’s friendlies in March. For the former Barcelona icon, this represents a final opportunity to prove he is fit for what would likely be his World Cup swan song.

Neymar’s form with Santos this season

While the Brazilian faithful maintain a deep bond with Neymar, his individual brilliance hasn’t translated to team success for Santos. The club currently languishes in 15th place in the Brasileirao standings, managing just 18 points through 15 matches. Their continental form is even more dire, as Santos sit at the bottom of Group D in the Copa Sudamericana with a mere three points from four games.

Here is a look at Neymar’s statistical output during his current stint with Santos:

Neymar’s 2026 injury history

Durability remains the primary concern for Neymar, who has already been sidelined by two separate injuries in 2026. His absence has severely handicapped Santos, causing him to miss a critical Copa Sudamericana clash against Deportivo Cuenca and six matches during the Campeonato Paulista, stretches of inactivity that will surely weigh heavily on Ancelotti’s final decision.

Neymar was initially sidelined from January 9 to February 15 with persistent knee soreness, a blow that effectively derailed Santos’ Campeonato Paulista ambitions. More recently, he was placed on a specialized “rest and conditioning” program in early May to manage his physical workload ahead of the international break.

According to Geglobo, Robinho has accused Neymar of assault and has threatened to leave the club. The player’s representative sent an extrajudicial demand letter this Monday to the club, demanding measures regarding the incident involving Neymar during Sunday’s session.

Neymar is accused of insults, tripping Robinho, and slapping violent. According to Infobae, the investigation will be carried out by the club’s legal department, as detailed in a brief official statement released to the press.

What made Neymar react like this?

According to reports, this conflict originated after a dribble from the youngster that made Neymar uncomfortable. The experienced midfielder reacted by asking for calm. However, his response was a trip that led to pushing and scuffling between the two players. Witnesses even mentioned a slap during the altercation.

The club turns a deaf ear to the situation

As mentioned before, Santos responded quickly. In a statement, they informed that by order of the presidency, an investigation has already begun, led by the Legal Department. The club is analyzing the incident that occurred on May 3 and promises measures.

Meanwhile, Neymar is expected to start on Tuesday, May 5, against Deportivo Recoleta in Asuncion, in the Copa Sudamericana. The Brazilian returns to play with the focus on the pitch, but with the scandal outside.

And not only that, for Neymar, who is looking for that spot in the 2026 World Cup, getting involved in these kinds of situations is not favorable, and even worse if this leads to missing matches with the club. Carlo Ancelotti has an eye on the situation.

“I hope he goes because I think he can be very helpful,” Ronaldinho said about Ney in a recent interview with Globo Esporte. “Personally, I’m his friend, and I think he is one of the greatest talents in world soccer.” Neymar continues fighting for a position, giving everything with Santos.

The former Barcelona and AC Milan star, who retired in 2015, made it clear that he trusted Carlo Ancelotti’s judgment when it came to selecting Brazil roster, “It is the coach’s decision, and we have to respect it. We do not know what the coach is thinking. He has his own plans.”

How Ronaldinho sees Brazil

Brazil’s performance is a complete unknown due to their recent performances, whether in qualifiers or recent friendly matches, especially because of an empty attack that moves away from their Joga Bonito identity, where Neymar would definitely be the perfect complement.

Then, the Champions League and Libertadores winner spoke about his country, “I see Brazil very well. They have great players, and we wish them a good preparation so they arrive in top form. As a fan, their number one supporter, I will be there cheering them on.” Ronaldinho played in two World Cups, 2002 and 2006, and also won the 1999 Copa America and the 2005 Confederations Cup.

The weight of a legend opinion

Ronaldinho’s opinion carries weight given his legacy as a player. The attacking midfielder was one of the biggest stars in world soccer in the early 2000s and left his mark both at the club level with Barcelona and internationally with Brazil.

With Brazil, he achieved major success, winning the 1999 Copa America, the 2002 FIFA World Cup in South Korea and Japan, and the 2005 Confederations Cup. He also earned a bronze medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

According to The Athletic, medical tests conducted after Chelsea’s clash with Manchester United revealed a worse outcome than initially feared. The young winger suffered a Grade 4 hamstring injury and could face an extensive recovery period, making his participation in the World Cup nearly impossible.

This loss is a significant blow for Brazil, as Estevao had become a fixture in Ancelotti’s tactical setup. Although the Chelsea forward was absent from recent friendlies due to injury, he remains highly regarded by the Italian manager, having already netted five goals in just 11 international appearances.

A huge opportunity for Neymar

The unfortunate injuries to both Estevao and previously Rodrygo have thrust Neymar back into the spotlight as a primary candidate to fill the void. The Santos star has made it clear that he is doing everything in his power to participate in what would likely be the final World Cup of his career.

To prove his fitness to the coaching staff, Neymar has been following a cautious health plan at Santos, managing his minutes to ensure he reaches peak physical condition ahead of the squad announcement.

Stiff competition for the final roster

While the recent injuries have opened a door, Neymar still faces a difficult path to secure one of the 26 spots for the tournament. Ancelotti has integrated several new faces during recent friendlies who are currently high in the coaching staff’s consideration.

While stars like Vinicius Jr., Raphinha, and Matheus Cunha are considered locks, Neymar must compete with a wave of younger talent. Players such as Endrick, Joao Pedro, Luiz Henrique, Igor Thiago, Rayan, and Gabriel Martinelli are all fighting for their place in the final list for North America.

In an interview with L’Equipe published on Saturday, the Brazil manager admitted he understands why fans are clamoring for the Santos star, noting that Neymar has been working hard at the club level to earn a spot on the final roster.

“He is currently being evaluated by the Brazilian Football Confederation and by me. He still has two months to prove he has the qualities necessary to play in the World Cup,” Ancelotti said. “After his knee injury, he has come back strong. He is scoring goals. He needs to stay on this path and improve his physical fitness. He is on the right track“.

Neymar’s numbers this season

Since recovering from his ACL injury, Neymar has returned to action in impressive fashion. So far this season, the Santos icon has appeared in six matches across all competitions, recording three goals and three assists.

Despite the limited sample size, Neymar has consistently demonstrated his dual-threat ability as both a playmaker and a goalscorer, proving to Ancelotti that he is capable of reaching the elite level required for a place on the Brazilian national team’s flight to North America.

The push for one last World Cup

Since taking over the helm of the Seleção, Ancelotti has yet to feature Neymar, making it clear that the player’s limitations were purely physical rather than tactical. However, the former Barcelona and PSG star remains fully focused on the goal of competing in his final World Cup.

“I’m upset and sad that I wasn’t called up. But the focus remains—day after day, training after training, game after game,” Neymar said during a Kings League presentation in São Paulo. “We’re going to achieve our goal. There is still the final squad selection to come”.

The path back for Brazil’s all-time leading scorer will not be easy, as Ancelotti has spent recent windows integrating a new wave of talent. While established stars like Vinicius Jr., Raphinha, and Matheus Cunha are locks for the squad, younger players like Endrick, Joao Pedro, Luiz Henrique, Igor Thiago, and Gabriel Martinelli have all turned in strong performances, intensifying the competition for the final attacking spots.

While discussions are in the early stages and have yet to materialize into a formal offer, insiders reveal that Cincinnati are currently gauging Neymar’s interest and financial demands. The club is reportedly holding internal meetings to determine the feasibility of signing the global superstar.

Neymar’s current contract with Santos runs through December 2026, meaning the forward is eligible to sign a pre-contract agreement with any club starting this June. Bogert and Tenorio noted that Cincinnati believes its financial backing and state-of-the-art facilities would be a significant draw for a player of Neymar’s stature.

Evander eyes Neymar recruitment to counter Messi’s Inter Miami

FC Cincinnati already boast a Brazilian presence with Designated Player Evander and forward Brenner. Speaking to the official MLS channel in November 2025, Evander made it clear he wants his countryman in Ohio to help take down Inter Miami’s star-studded roster.

“I hope he joins Cincinnati. I think he should join Cincinnati,” Evander said. “There are two Brazilians here already. He would be very welcome, and I think he would join the Brazilians against the Argentines at Inter Miami“.

Inter Miami currently feature the largest Argentine contingent in MLS. Led by Messi, the squad includes Rodrigo De Paul, Tadeo Allende, Mateo Silvetti, Facundo Mura, David Ayala, Rocco Rios Novos, and Gonzalo Lujan.

A history of friendship and rivalry

The bond between Messi and Neymar is well-documented, with both players frequently speaking about their close relationship. They have shared the pitch as teammates in 206 matches across legendary stints at Barcelona and PSG.

However, they have also faced off as opponents on six occasions. Messi holds the upper hand in their head-to-head history with four wins to Neymar’s two. Their only meeting at the club level came in the 2011 FIFA Club World Cup Final, where Barcelona cruised to a 4-0 victory over Santos. The remaining five encounters took place on the international stage during the fierce Argentina vs Brazil rivalry.

“It’s crazy, it’s not the same as Neymar, he does everything right. I’ll tell you an anecdote, we were doing finishing drills in Paris, Neymar and I were among the best, we scored six or seven out of ten, but he took nine shots and scored nine goals exactly the same, all perfectly placed, and I was looking at the goalkeeper like ‘don’t you see it?’, it’s exaggerated.”

The story not only illustrated Messi’s clinical precision but also the impact he generated even among players used to competing at the highest level. Mbappe’s comments reinforced an idea that had spanned generations, beyond titles or statistics, Messi’s legacy was also built on the admiration of his peers.

The Messi-Mbappe partnership

The connection between Mbappe and Messi at PSG lasted two seasons, from August 2021 to June 2023. During that span, they shared the field in 67 matches, winning two Ligue 1 titles and one French Cup.

The Argentine provided 14 assists to the current Real Madrid player, while the Frenchman returned 20 assists to the Inter Miami forward. Despite forming a powerful attacking trio alongside Angel Di Maria and Neymar, the team led by Mauricio Pochettino did not manage to secure the UEFA Champions League title.

Alongside them, Neymar remained another elite talent, and the chemistry between Messi and Neymar, carried over from their time in Barcelona, combined with Mbappe’s speed and explosiveness, made PSG the most-watched team in the world, producing more than 100 combined goals across all competitions.

However, despite the statistical output and attacking firepower, the trio did not achieve their ultimate objective of winning the UEFA Champions League. Neymar’s injuries at key moments, early round of 16 eliminations against Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, and the lack of defensive balance exposed the challenges of building a team around three superstars of that magnitude.

The forward’s absence is not a last-minute decision. Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti did not include him in the squad for the March international friendlies, including matches against France and Croatia.

The decision is largely tied to his physical condition, as he is still working his way back to full fitness after recent injuries and ongoing muscle issues. While he has returned to club action, Brazil’s staff have opted for caution.

Is Neymar injured or resting?

Neymar has been dealing with lingering physical issues since suffering a serious knee injury in 2023, and although he has returned to club action, he has not yet reached full match fitness.

Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti made it clear that only players at 100% condition were selected for the March international friendlies. His absence is therefore precautionary rather than tactical.

He has also struggled with muscle fatigue in recent weeks, which limited his rhythm and prevented the coaching staff from fully evaluating him ahead of the squad announcement.

For Brazil, the decision reflects a long-term approach. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup on the horizon, the priority is ensuring that the forward can return at full strength rather than risking setbacks in a friendly against France.

How did Neymar get injured?

Neymar suffered a serious knee injury after rupturing his ACL during a match in 2023. The Brazilian star was injured while playing in a World Cup qualifier against Uruguay, when he landed awkwardly following a challenge and immediately showed signs of discomfort.

Medical tests later confirmed a torn anterior cruciate ligament, along with damage to his meniscus, an injury that typically requires surgery and a lengthy recovery period.

This setback sidelined him for several months and forced him into an extensive rehabilitation process. Even after returning to action, players recovering from ACL injuries often need additional time to regain full match fitness and confidence.

The details of Neymar’s meticulous roadmap were revealed by journalist Murilo Tauro for the respected Brazilian outlet Globo. The strategy is designed to protect his surgically repaired knee and includes personalized training sessions, a strict limit on match appearances, and the avoidance of long-distance travel.

Ancelotti has until May 18, 2026, to submit his final 26-man roster for the 2026 World Cup. Neymar’s primary goal is to prove he can still provide elite value to the Seleção and secure his place in what would be his final World Cup appearance as a player.

Neymar’s strategic plan for the 2026 World Cup

Neymar is reportedly following a specialized schedule designed to manage his physical workload and maintain peak fitness. Between now and the May 18 roster announcement, Santos have 14 matches scheduled; Neymar intends to feature in exactly half of them (7 matches) to ensure he has sufficient match rhythm without overtaxing his body.

To protect his surgically repaired knee, the veteran forward will strictly avoid playing on artificial turf, such as the surface at Palmeiras’ Allianz Parque. Additionally, he will skip long-distance international travel, specifically opting out of Copa Sudamericana away fixtures in Argentina, Ecuador, and Paraguay.

Perhaps most notably, the report indicates that if Neymar is included in the final 26-man squad on May 18, he will immediately cease playing for Santos for the remainder of the club season.

Ancelotti’s stance on the Neymar situation

In a press conference ahead of the friendlies against France and Croatia, Ancelotti was once again questioned regarding Neymar’s continued absence from the squad and his prospects for the final 2026 World Cup roster.

The Italian manager remained characteristically composed and cautious, offering a measured response to the mounting pressure from fans and media. “I observe and listen to everything,” Ancelotti stated. “Everyone is entitled to their opinion on soccer because soccer isn’t an exact science. There are many things people can have an opinion on—whether the team is playing well, or if a specific player is performing or not. All those opinions must be respected”.

When did Neymar last play for Brazil?

It has now been nearly two and a half years since Neymar last stepped onto the pitch for Brazil. His last appearance for the Seleção came on October 17, 2023, during a CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifier against Uruguay—a night that ended in heartbreak for the superstar as he suffered a torn ACL and meniscus in his left knee.

The last time Neymar Jr was called up by Brazil was just over a year ago, on March 6, 2025. On that occasion, then head coach Dorival Junior included him in the squad for the South American qualifiers against Colombia and Argentina. His return generated major expectations, marking his official comeback after nearly 18 months out due to a serious knee injury.

Despite being called up in March 2025, Neymar did not log any minutes in those matches. After the loss against Argentina in Buenos Aires, a result that led to Dorival’s departure, the player returned to his club to continue his physical recovery. Since then, under Ancelotti, Neymar has not appeared in any official squad list.

When was the last time he played a match?

Meanwhile, the last time Neymar played an official match for Brazil was on October 17, 2023, against Uruguay at Estadio Centenario in World Cup qualifying.

That night proved devastating for the Brazilian star, as before halftime, he suffered a torn ACL and meniscus in his left knee following an unfortunate collision. Brazil lost that match 2-0.

What did Neymar say about not being included?

Following the announcement, Neymar attended a Kings League match for his team Furia against DesimpedN in São Paulo, and while in the president’s box, he grabbed a microphone to address his exclusion directly: “I’m going to speak out here because I can’t just let this slide. Obviously, I’m upset and sad that I wasn’t called up.“

Despite the disappointment, Neymar made clear his determination to keep pushing for a place at his fourth World Cup. “But the focus remains, day after day, training after training, game after game. The focus remains. We’re going to achieve our goal. There is still the final squad selection to come,” said Neymar.

Having been managed cautiously by the medical staff since his return to Vila Belmiro, the 34-year-old forward showed no signs of rust as he converted a clinical effort in the opening half.

The goal electrified the home supporters and served as a reminder of his enduring quality as Santos look to climb the Brasileirao standings with their superstar back at full fitness.

Having recently returned to action after a 70-day hiatus in Santos’ 6-0 victory over Velo Clube, Neymar is enjoying his first start of the season. The Brazilian forward underwent surgery on his left meniscus in December 2025 and has been undergoing a rigorous rehabilitation process since the turn of the year.

But the Brazilian icon was not finished making his mark on his return to the starting XI. With the match deadlocked at 1-1, the Santos number 10 stepped up once again to act as the hero, finding the back of the net to restore his side’s lead against Vasco da Gama.

Neymar eyes 100% fitness ahead of defining 2026 season

Despite missing the opening matches of 2026, Neymar was instrumental in keeping Santos in the first division throughout 2025. During that campaign, he appeared in 28 matches, scoring 11 goals and providing four assists, proving to be the catalyst for the club’s top-flight survival.

Reflecting on his recent cautious approach to his recovery, the 34-year-old forward emphasized the importance of patience. “I wanted to return this season at 100%, which is why I was cautious in some matches and held back a little. Santos created an excellent plan that helped me significantly in that regard,” Neymar explained during an interview with the Brazilian outlet CazeTV.

With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, Neymar’s primary objective is to secure a spot in the squad led by Carlo Ancelotti. However, he is acutely aware that reaching his peak physical condition is a prerequisite for a national team recall.

“Obviously, I wanted to come back and help my team in the best way possible, but I waited so I could return at 100%, without pain or fear,” he added. “With hard work and perseverance, I believe I will reach my peak form. That is what moves us, and that is what I want”.