Ancelotti has left open the possibility of Neymar earning a place in his 26‑man squad for this year’s World Cup as he suggested that he has to impress in the final few months of the season.
Neymar, Brazil's all-time leading scorer with 79 goals, has not played for the national team since suffering a serious knee injury in October 2023 and was unlikely to be called up until the horror injury to Real Madrid’s Rodrygo.
The former Barcelona star was excluded from Brazil’s squad for last month’s warm-up matches against France and Croatia but could be included for the final squad if he can stay consistent.
Now, Brazil president Lulu has revealed that talks over Neymar have begun as Ancelotti ponders who will make the final cut.
"I had the chance to speak with Ancelotti, and he asked me: 'Do you think Neymar should be called up?' I said: 'Look, Ancelotti, if he’s physically fit, he’s got the football.
“What I need to know is whether he actually wants it.' If he does, then he has to be professional. He can look at someone like Cristiano Ronaldo, he can look at (Lionel) Messi, and still go to the national team, because he’s not old yet.
“But he can’t expect to go just on his name. He has to earn it on the pitch."
Brazil’s 2-1 defeat to France in Boston prompted fans to chant Neymar’s name as supporters make their voices heard over the winger who may just make it in for the opening clashes with Morocco, Haiti and Scotland.