Neymar Jr remains determined to compete in the 2026 World Cup and believes he is still part of Carlo Ancelotti’s plans, despite not being called up for Brazil’s recent games.
During a music event held in São Paulo (via Fabrizio Romano), the former Barcelona player and current Santos star sent a clear message to Ancelotti. He showed confidence that he would be able to compete in the June 2026 tournament, stating he would be physically fit to face the main opponents in world football.
Neymar Jr’s Promise is a Direct message to Carlo Ancelotti
Neymar is confident about his participation in the World Cup and has even promised to score in the final at MetLife Stadium, despite having scored 11 goals in 28 games (23 as a starter) for Santos in 2025.
🚨🏆 Neymar Jr: “We’re going to do the possible and also impossible to bring the World Cup to Brazil. In July you can hold me accountable. Hey Ancelotti, help us!”, Neymar says.
“If we get to the final… I 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒎𝒊𝒔𝒆 I’ll score a goal”. 🔮 pic.twitter.com/0nF3j95Qaj
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 21, 2025
“We will do everything to bring the World Cup to Brazil. In July 2026, hold me accountable. Hello, Ancelotti, help us. If we make the final, I promise to score,” Neymar stated.
Although confident, Neymar has not been called up to the Brazilian national team since Ancelotti took charge. His last match was in 2023 against Uruguay, where he suffered a serious knee injury while still under contract with Al-Hilal.
MORE: MLS Transfer Rumors: Neymar Considers Big Change in Club To Stay in Best Shape Before 2026 World Cup
It is also important to note that Neymar’s future beyond 2026 remains uncertain, as his current contract with Santos is set to expire on December 31, and he has not yet signed a renewal with the club, where he is an idol. Despite being one of the most traditional clubs in South America, Santos finished the 2025 Brasileirão in a fight against relegation.
Neymar struggled with physical issues in 2025 and played through a meniscus injury to help Santos avoid relegation. He is expected to undergo surgery later this year.
Understand How Neymar Played for Santos in 2025
At this stage of his career, Neymar has primarily played as a number 10, an attacking midfielder for Santos, occupying central areas or drifting out to the left when initiating a move. This role seeks to exploit his ball control, vision, and ability to break lines with passes or dribbles.
In the first games of the season, still playing a 4-2-3-1 formation, he was used behind the center forward, trying to connect the midfield with the attackers and create imbalances down the center or out wide, reminiscent of his time at PSG. Then, in a 4-3-3 formation, he began playing closer to the box, assuming the role of striker that he had excelled in during the best moments of his career.
