Carlo Ancelotti has backed Neymar to force his way back into the Brazil squad ahead of next year's World Cup.
The Selecao, who thrashed South Korea 5-0 in Seoul last time out, are looking to register their fourth win in five games as they head to the Tokyo Stadium to face Japan in a friendly on Tuesday.
Brazil have won their last six meetings with Japan, including a 4-1 thumping at the 2006 World Cup, where the two sides met in the group stage.
Ancelotti, who became Brazil’s first non-native coach in 60 years when he took charge in May, has already led the five-time world champions to qualification for next year's tournament in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
Neymar, who is Brazil's record goalscorer, was not selected for Ancelotti's latest squad. Indeed, the 33-year-old has not been picked by his country since 2023.
But Ancelotti suggested the door is open for Neymar to return, should the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star prove his fitness.
"If Neymar is in [a] good condition, then of course he can fit into the national team," Ancelotti said.
"If Neymar is fit then he can play in any team in the world."
Neymar has netted three times in the league for Santos this season, in 13 appearances, with his minutes limited by injuries.
He is yet to provide an assist in Brazil's top flight this term, but has created 29 chances.
While Neymar is heading into the twilight of his career, exciting talent Estevao is just getting started.
The 18-year-old Chelsea forward scored twice against South Korea, with Real Madrid's Rodrygo and Vinicius Junior, who Ancelotti coached while at Los Blancos, also on the scoresheet.
"Brazilian players have the quality to play beautiful football but you have to think about what you mean by beautiful football," Ancelotti added.
"Brazilian players have individual quality but that is combined with teamwork and movement off the ball, and that’s very important in football.
"My goal is to give my best for the Brazil national team, to try to get them to perform at their best and to win the World Cup.
"Of course, no foreign-born coach has ever won the World Cup but there is always a first time in life."
caaceikmty
1
Darmeji
1
this will do💯✅
The_Real_Baggio
0
Forget about Neymar
AmoG5150
0
mmmm
bijoy93
2
agree with ancelotti if naymar fit he can play in any team in the world
Jiaadknprt
0
DLS football
Jiaadknprt
1
football game
Haacdeiou
0
it's like football has become like brand every country must have an old brand who just his physical appearance will benefit the country team and that is what anceloti is thinking like Portugal,Argentina, france and Germany
reeaiopstz
1
with the experience of nemar he brings something to the national team
Hritangshu93
2
I am not sure how much he can lose weight......his form was never a concern
Ziobikouy
0
fuck off
lol I crying....
Kuubdimntu
2
WANTED-SSD
6
Good luck ….Boss😎
Mimackor
0
Don Carlo,you know well Neymar is not the player he was when he was in Barcelona he did not to be in the national team,he going to take someone spot who is better and stronger than him.if you think he should be in national team,don’t blame nobody else then you’re self after the World Cup.
fuck off
Mimackor
0
Carlo need ls to tell truth to Neymar....his time basically well gone....what has Neymar done for the last two years?...
you are good but I no may see don't go with Neymar
vuaabdipu
0
He's injury bound Don't call him up Let him retire
Suubdlnuz
0
Carlo need ls to tell truth to Neymar....his time basically well gone....what has Neymar done for the last two years?...
bamadiloty
1
Ancelloti you are too old for Brazil and Neymar is finished
vecabcky
1
Don Carlo,you know well Neymar is not the player he was when he was in Barcelona he did not to be in the national team,he going to take someone spot who is better and stronger than him.if you think he should be in national team,don’t blame nobody else then you’re self after the World Cup.
Rusbcint
1
Zr deck to as
yewcdknopy
1
Before thinking abt joining Nation Team, Neymar have to focus on his fitness NOT only that his life style as well like partying, alcohol n eating junks food then only he can able to perform best in the field.
GobindaRanaXettri
2
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Qqxxqyt
0
wow amazing
Ritcdikmnr
1
23 out field player, neymar should be there
Ritcdikmnr
2
dennisachafu
0
Neymar is a player with injury crisis. I think he should take care of himself and forget about the world cup. I don't think he will be 100% strong to be at the world cup. But Brazil can take the risk if they want. They should also know that every player you invites has to take the place of another.