By Wilson Florez
Soccer is the most important and followed sport in Brazil. The theme of football goes beyond sports and entertainment. “La Canarinha” is an agenda that reaches even the highest levels of Brazilian politics. The president of Brazil, Lula da Silva, spoke with Carlos Ancelotti about the Neymar Jr. case.
Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has also been involved in the debate about Neymar Jr.’s call to the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada. But his opinion was motivated by Carlos Ancelotti himself, coach of “La Canarinha”.
According to the Brazilian president himself, Carlo Ancelotti asked him for his opinion on the Neymar Jr. case. Da Silva considers that “Ney” should be called up if he is in optimal condition and if he is willing to offer his professionalism for the benefit of the Amazonian team.
“I had the opportunity to speak with Ancelotti, and then he asked me: Do you think Neymar should be called up? I said, ‘Ancelotti, if he is physically prepared, he has football. You need to know if he wants it.’ If you want, you have to be professional,” revealed the Brazilian president.
“IT HAS TO BE PROFESSIONAL” 👀🇧🇷
The President of Brazil, Lula Da Silva, was consulted about NEYMER’s presence on the WORLD CUP list and acknowledged his talk with CARLO ANCELOTTI.
🗣️ “He asked me: ‘Do you think Neymar should be called up?’ And I told him: ‘Look, if he is… pic.twitter.com/AnCsminlNB
— TNT Sports actions Argentina (@TNTSportsAR) April 16, 2026
The 34-year-old footballer has had many problems with injuries. Physical condition has taken its toll on Neymar Jr. throughout his career and, above all, at the end of it. Currently, “Ney” seeks to recover his best level with Santos FC. But to do this he must have continuity in his game.
To date Neymar Jr. has played 7 games this season (5 for Serie A and 2 for the São Paulo championship). In just over 580 minutes on the field, “Ney” He has contributed 3 goals and 3 assists.
The example of Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi
Lula da Silva considers that Neymar Jr. should be called up by Carlos Ancelottibut it must be based on his performances with Santos and not because of his name. The president of Brazil gave as an example the cases of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
“You can see yourself in Cristiano Ronaldo’s mirror. It can be seen in Messi’s. But he can’t do it (be summoned) for his name, he has to do it for football“he added.
Neymar Jr. debuted with “La Canarinha” in August 2010. Since then the former FC Barcelona player He has played 128 matches with the Brazilian national team in which he has been able to contribute seventy 9 goals. “Ney” can once again lead the Brazilian team in a World Cup, but everything will depend on his dedication with Santos.
Keep reading:
– Carlo Ancelotti already has his first choice for the 2026 World Cup
– Pessimism overwhelms Brazilian fans before the 2026 World Cup
– Neymar Jr. acknowledged having felt “dead” after Brazil’s elimination from the 2022 World Cup
– David Ospina aims for a historic World Cup for Colombia
