Report flags Neymar World Cup lobbying and details Santos plan

Report flags Neymar World Cup lobbying and details Santos plan

With less than a month to go before the official announcement of Brazil’s squad for the 2026 World Cup, Neymar is going through a decisive period in his bid to make Carlo Ancelotti’s list.

The star is racing against time to improve his physical and technical form, aiming to convince the Italian coach that he deserves one of the 26 spots for the World Cup.

Alongside his efforts on the pitch, the star forward also has favorable backing within the CBF, although the final decision rests with the national team coach, according to information from ge.

The Globo Group website published a report detailing the behind-the-scenes "lobbying" and Santos’ plan to get the star back in top shape.

To prove he is fully fit, the No. 10 recently reached a milestone he had not hit in almost a year: he played the full 90 minutes in four consecutive matches (against Atlético-MG, Recoleta, Fluminense, and Coritiba) over the span of just two weeks.

However, to avoid any risk of injury and manage his physical workload, the player’s staff and Santos’ coaching staff decided to rest him for this Saturday’s clash against Bahia.

The plan is for the forward to return to the team next Tuesday, in the decisive clash against San Lorenzo in Argentina, in the Copa Sudamericana.

Starting from that match, Peixe will have six fixtures on its schedule up to May 18, the date when the final squad list will be announced.

It is during this period, splitting his activities between CT Rei Pelé and the setup built at his own home, that Neymar will try to stamp his passport in pursuit of a sixth world title.

Off the pitch, the political landscape works in favor of the Santos idol.

According to ge, there is a strong movement behind the scenes at the CBF pushing for Neymar’s presence at the World Cup.

The federation’s president, Samir Xaud, says ge, is a great admirer of the player and is surrounded by influential people who also support his call-up.

Despite that sympathy, Xaud makes it clear that the final decision will be based exclusively on technical criteria established by Carlo Ancelotti, who, it is worth noting, has not yet had the chance to coach Neymar for Brazil.

In addition to the board, the forward has the backing of the Brazil squad itself.

Names from different generations, from veteran leaders like to youngsters like , have already publicly expressed that they want to see the No. 10 in the group.