Ancelotti called Neymar and said: He will play if he deserves to play

Fans wanted to see Neymar at the World Cup, and Carlo Ancelotti fulfilled their wish - the coach of the Brazilian national football team included the Santos striker on the travel list for the upcoming World Cup.

Ancelotti sat on stage, in an improvised room, dictating names one by one. When he announced that he was counting on Neymar, the fans began to celebrate.

"He is an important player and he will be important for us in this World Cup. He will have the same obligations as the other 25 guys. Maybe he will play, maybe he will not. Maybe he will be on the bench and come in," Ancelotti pointed out.

The Santos striker has only played 15 games this year, and he hasn't played in 2025 either, but the public pressure has been enormous.

"Neymar has the same role as the other players, which is to contribute. It is important not to focus all expectations on one player. All the quality must be directed towards helping the team win the World Cup," Ancelotti said.

Neymar will have a huge impact on the dressing room.

"It can help create an atmosphere within the group and bring out the best in everyone. I don't want stars, I want players who are ready to help the team win games. I see him as a player with more focus. I want to be clear and honest, he will play if he deserves to play," Ancelotti explained.

This will be Neymar's last chance to dance. He played in three World Cups (2014, 2018 and 2022), and his last match for the national team was on October 18, 2023, against Uruguay in the qualifiers for the upcoming tournament.

The World Cup runs from June 11 to July 19. Brazil is in Group C with Scotland, Morocco and Haiti.