3 Key Reasons Why Neymar Must Step Up for Brazil’s World Cup Hopes

The Call from Ancelotti

Ancelotti didn’t mince words: “He must be ready. He is vital.” That one sentence carries more weight than a full press conference. As a football analyst who’s studied over 100 Brasileirão matches and tracked every tactical shift in Europe’s top leagues, I’ve seen how leadership isn’t given—it’s earned through performance.

Neymar is no longer just a player; he’s a symbol. And symbols don’t survive on sentiment alone.

The Numbers Don’t Lie

Let’s talk cold data—my favorite language.

Since rejoining Santos in March 2024:

• 12 appearances across all competitions
• 3 goals, 3 assists (all in the Copa São Paulo de Futebol Júnior)
• Only 4 starts in Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A
• Santos currently sitting at 15th—just above relegation zone

That means: Neymar has played fewer league games than most bench players on average teams. In a country where football is religion, this isn’t just underperformance—it’s silence.

When you’re paid $5 million+ per season and are expected to anchor a national team campaign, playing only four times in half a season? That doesn’t scream readiness.

The Pressure of Legacy vs Reality

I grew up in New York City with Brazilian roots—my mom was from Rio, my dad American. I’ve walked through favelas where kids kick balls made of rags on dusty streets. They don’t care about contracts or marketing deals—they care about impact.

Neymar represents that fire. But right now? He looks like someone practicing for an exhibition match while the championship looms.

The irony? He signed back with Santos—not for glory or pride—but because he needed time away from intense scrutiny. Fair enough. But time off becomes time lost when your country needs you most.

And here’s the kicker: even if he returns fit tomorrow, his current form lacks sharpness—the kind required against elite defenses like Germany or Argentina in knockout stages.

What Does ‘Ready’ Really Mean?

Being “ready” isn’t just physical fitness or injury clearance—it’s tactical rhythm. It’s understanding how to exploit space at high tempo under pressure.

For example:

• Average distance covered per game: km (below league median)
• Pass accuracy: ~78% (down from his peak of ~89%)
• Expected assists (xA): 0.12 per game — barely above zero

The numbers say it all: Neymar is present—but not dominant.

The clock is ticking for Brazil ahead of Qatar 2026 qualifiers and beyond.

The truth? No one expects him to carry Brazil single-handedly—but if he can’t perform consistently within his own team structure… how will he lead internationally?

The answer lies not in wishful thinking but in concrete commitment—and accountability.