Neymar’s World Cup Dreams: Can Brazil’s Fallen Star Rise Again Under Ancelotti?

Let’s be honest here – watching Neymar’s career trajectory over the past few years has been like witnessing a slow-motion car crash that you can’t look away from. The guy who once dazzled us with rainbow flicks and impossible skills has become more famous for his injury reports than his highlight reels. But hold your horses, because Carlo Ancelotti just threw the Brazilian superstar a lifeline that could change everything.

The Rise, Fall, and Possible Rise Again of Neymar

Remember when Neymar was supposed to be the next big thing? When Barcelona paid €57 million for a skinny kid from Santos who looked like he could dance around defenders in his sleep? Yeah, those were the days. Fast forward to 2025, and the 33-year-old forward hasn’t worn Brazil’s iconic yellow jersey in nearly two years – not exactly the career arc anyone predicted for football’s former golden boy.

The timeline reads like a medical journal rather than a sports biography. October 2023: torn ACL during a World Cup qualifier. Nearly a full year on the sidelines. Multiple comeback attempts derailed by muscular issues. A disastrous stint with Al Hilal that ended in mutual contract termination – because apparently, even Saudi Arabia‘s endless money couldn’t fix whatever was broken.

But here’s where things get interesting (and slightly ridiculous). Neymar has crawled back to Santos – the same club where his journey began – like a prodigal son returning home after blowing his inheritance in a foreign land. And you know what? He’s actually playing decent football again. Six goals and three assists in 21 appearances isn’t going to set the world on fire, but it’s a start.

Ancelotti Opens the Door (But Don’t Hold Your Breath)

Enter Carlo Ancelotti, Italy’s gift to Brazilian football and the first foreign-born coach to take charge of the Seleção. The man who’s won more Champions League titles than most people have had hot dinners just delivered what might be the most diplomatic “maybe” in recent football history.

“Neymar can play at his highest level in this team without any problems,” Ancelotti said, which roughly translates to “Sure, if he can stay healthy for more than five minutes at a time.” The Italian went on to add that when Neymar is in good physical condition, “he has the quality to play not only in Brazil but in any team in the world because of his talent.”

That’s a pretty big “when,” Carlo. We’re talking about a player whose body seems to have more fragile parts than a vintage sports car. But credit where credit’s due – Ancelotti isn’t completely closing the door on Brazil’s most talented and most frustrating player.

The Uphill Battle for Neymar’s Brazil Return

Here’s the brutal reality check that Neymar probably doesn’t want to hear: Brazil has moved on. While he was nursing injuries and counting Saudi riyals, a new generation of Brazilian attackers emerged from the shadows and claimed their spots in the starting eleven.

Vinícius Júnior has become Real Madrid‘s poster boy and Brazil’s new poster child. Rodrygo Goes is proving that maybe Real Madrid’s Brazilian pipeline isn’t a fluke after all. Raphinha is doing Raphinha things at Barcelona, which apparently includes being consistently good at football – what a concept.

But wait, there’s more! (As if Neymar’s ego needed another blow.) Seventeen-year-old Estêvão Willian – already dubbed “the next big thing” – is making waves and probably doesn’t even remember when Neymar was considered Brazil’s future. João Pedro, Savinho, and a handful of other young guns are all fighting for spots that once seemed reserved for the former PSG star.

Why This Matters for the 2026 World Cup

Let’s talk about the elephant in the room – the 2026 World Cup in North America. This tournament represents Neymar’s last realistic shot at winning the one trophy that has eluded him throughout his career. At 33, by the time the tournament rolls around, he’ll be 34 and likely running on fumes, prayers, and whatever’s left of his once-supernatural talent.

Ancelotti, meanwhile, is trying to become the first foreign-born coach to win a World Cup with Brazil – a feat that would cement his legacy as one of football’s greatest tactical minds. The Italian has already shown he’s not afraid to make bold decisions, including four forwards in his starting lineup during Brazil’s recent 5-0 thrashing of South Korea.

The question is: does a potentially rusty, injury-prone Neymar fit into those plans? Or would Ancelotti rather stick with the hungry young lions who’ve been performing consistently while Neymar was learning Arabic medical terminology?