Brazil: ‘Bring Neymar back,’ Rio Ferdinand begs Carlo Ancelotti.

Former Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand urged Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti to recall Neymar ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026. Omitted from the latest squad for the March international window, the Santos FC forward is still paying the price for a physical condition deemed insufficient. Ancelotti has in fact said that the former Paris Saint-Germain and FC Barcelona player is not ready to return to the top level.

But for Ferdinand, the absence of such a player would be a real blow to world football. On his YouTube channel, the former English international did not hide his bewilderment: “Neymar hasn’t been included in the latest squad, man, I can’t believe it.” Before insisting, almost in a plea: “As a football fan, I pray that he is present and takes to the pitch at the World Cup, because that’s what it’s about.”

And to conclude, with emotion: “Football legends, the icons who make you say: ‘Do you remember that moment?’ He could give us one of those moments at the World Cup. I’m telling you, Carlo, bring Neymar back.” A vibrant plea, as Neymar’s international future continues to fuel the debates.