Having previously had the hump about his Brazil World Cup chances, Neymar is now looking ahead to 2026 with a level of defiance.
The nation’s all-time record scorer is yet to be included in one of Carlo Ancelotti’s squads and the legendary Italian has made it clear Neymar will only be called up if he’s 100% fit and it top form.
Addressing the issue after just keeping boyhood side Santos in Brazil’s top flight, Neymar said at an event in Sao Paulo: “We will do everything possible, even the impossible, to bring this World Cup back to Brazil.
“If we reach the final, I promise I’ll score. You can ask me to give an account of that in July.
“Come on, Ancelotti! Help us, okay?”
Neymar hasn’t played for Brazil since October 2023, and has recently been more focused in Santos, playing through a knee injury to avoid relegation.
He now looks set to stay at his first ever club ahead of the World Cup, with sporting director Alexandre Mattos confirming rumours of a six-month contract extension.
Asked about Neymar’s future, he said: “I’m going to ask for sensitivity, because it’s obvious this is a matter of great importance.
“Obviously, we’ve talked a lot. He’s at Santos because he wants to be, and he wants to be here because he’s happy to be at Santos.
“The financial aspect has never been an obstacle or a reason for a change. When Neymar arrived, he knew the team was rebuilding, we were coming from Serie B, and that it would be difficult to fight for the Brazilian championship, even though we worked towards it.
“Neymar is here because he wants to be, I see him very happy.
“I think it’s something that will happen naturally. This is his home, and he’ll always be welcomed back with open arms.
“I think it will happen naturally, in due time. He’s on vacation, he needs to attend to some matters, and the president is handling it as it should be.”
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