Ronaldo backs Neymar’s World Cup return, urges Ancelotti to recall star forward
Brazilian football legend Ronaldo Nazário has urged national team coach Carlo Ancelotti to bring Neymar Jr. back into the Selecão squad ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Neymar, Brazil’s all-time top scorer with 79 goals in 128 matches, has not featured for the national team since suffering a serious knee injury in October 2023. The 33-year-old forward returned to boyhood club Santos in January 2025 after an underwhelming spell with Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal, where injuries limited him to just five appearances and one goal. Despite regaining form in Brazil, Ancelotti has yet to call him up in his four matches in charge. Speaking at a publicity event in São Paulo, Ronaldo made a passionate case for Neymar’s return: “He is a decisive player for the Brazilian Selecão. We don’t have […]
