Carlo Ancelotti asked Brazilian president whether he should pick Neymar for World Cup

Carlo Ancelotti asked Brazilian president whether he should pick Neymar for World CupBrazil icon Neymar has made 128 appearances for the Selecao but the Santos forward’s place at this summer’s World Cup is in doubt with the nation’s president having now offered his takeCommentsSportDaniel Orme Sports Writer15:51, 15 Apr 2026View 2 ImagesNeymar has work to do to secure a spot in Brazil's World Cup squad(Image: Getty Images)Neymar has been told his name won’t be enough to secure a spot at the World Cup by the nation’s president. The 34-year-old, now playing for boyhood club Santos, has made 128 appearances for the Brazil national team across a glittering playing career.‌Despite his accomplishments for the national team, Neymar has yet to be called up by Carlo Ancelotti since the Italian was named head coach last year. There has, however, been a clamour in the South American nation for Neymar to be called into the squad for this summer’s World Cup in the USA, Mexico and Canada.‌Head of state Lula has now thrown his weight into the debate - and he even revealed that he has spoken with Ancelotti over whether the forward should be called up.‌Speaking on his YouTube channel, the 80-year-old said: “I had the chance to speak with Ancelotti, and he asked me: ‘Do you think Neymar should be called up?’READ MORE: England fans face sevenfold New York price increase in latest World Cup rip offREAD MORE: FIFA to ask Donald Trump to freeze ICE raids at World Cup as discussions come to lightJOIN US ON FACEBOOK! Latest news, analysis and much more on Mirror Football's Facebook page“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 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.”Ancelotti has already...