'We don't have another Neymar!' - Carlo Ancelotti urged to bring attacker back into Brazil squad ahead of 2026 World Cup as legendary striker Ronaldo reacts to Santos star's snub

Neymar’s return to Santos was meant to be a fresh chapter, but his progress has been marred by recurring thigh and knee problems. His latest setback, a rectus femoris injury, has kept him sidelined again, casting doubt over his role for club and country. Amid this uncertainty, Ronaldo has urged Brazil coach Ancelotti to bring the star back into the squad, insisting the Selecao cannot afford to ignore their most unique attacker.

Ronaldo, speaking at an event to BolaVip, firmly backed Neymar despite mounting criticism. The legendary striker also empathised with Neymar’s struggles, pointing out how gruelling it is to return from serious injury.

"He's a key player for the Brazilian national team . We don't have another player like Neymar. And we hope he's 100% for the World Cup, because if he is, we'll definitely have better results than if he's not," said Ronaldo.

He further added: "It's an exaggeration on the part of this minority who believe he's neglecting his physical recovery. Anyone who's played football understands perfectly how difficult it is to come back from an injury and regain rhythm and confidence. He's on time. The other day, I was playing tennis with Luisa Stefani, the São Paulo Open doubles champion, and she tore her cruciate ligament at the same time as Neymar. She still feels pain. It's a gradual process."

Since returning to Santos after a lengthy layoff due to a torn ACL he suffered in October 2023, Neymar has faced repeated injuries in his right leg, most recently a rectus femoris muscle setback, his fourth since returning. Despite this, he insists his Brazil omission is for “technical reasons” and not fitness, saying, “It’s the coach’s opinion, and I respect it.” Neymar continues to play full matches for Santos, gradually regaining rhythm and confidence, and recently extended his contract with the club until the end of 2025, with an option to continue through the 2026 World Cup.

Since taking charge in 2025, the Italian coach has built a stable and disciplined Brazil side that already sealed qualification for the 2026 World Cup. The team is defensively strong and tactically flexible, but critics argue it lacks Neymar’s creativity and spark in attack. With Vinicius Junior, Raphinha and Matheus Cunha leading the charge, Brazil look balanced yet cautious. The big question remains: as Brazil chase a sixth world title, will Ancelotti find room for Neymar’s magic or has the Selcao quietly moved on from their former talisman?