The Neymar World Cup fitness plan is drawing debate in Brazil after the source text said the forward has decided not to play Santos’ away matches as he manages his recovery and protects his place in Carlo Ancelotti’s squad.
According to the source, Neymar intends to feature only at Vila Belmiro, Santos’ home ground, as he tries to avoid another injury setback before the World Cup.
The reported strategy has quickly become a talking point in Brazilian football, where fans and pundits closely watch every decision involving Neymar. Supporters and critics are now questioning whether reduced match exposure can really prepare him for a demanding international tournament.
Neymar’s approach is based on “load control” after the injuries he suffered in 2025. The report says those problems led to arthroscopy on his left knee and have made both player and club extremely cautious about any new muscular relapse.
Santos has backed the approach medically. It says Neymar missed recent away matches against Mirassol and Cruzeiro, with the club citing overload and maximum caution after PRP treatment aimed at speeding up recovery.
The timing has intensified the discussion. According to the source, Carlo Ancelotti will announce his squad list on May 18 in Rio de Janeiro, leaving Neymar with limited time to prove both rhythm and fitness.
That has created a clear tension. While the coach wants rhythm and physical improvement, Neymar is reportedly reducing his competitive exposure. If Neymar is not currently playing back-to-back matches, critics are asking how he would handle eight games in 38 days at a World Cup.
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The report also mentions controversy over his absence in Mirassol without prior notice to the Brazilian federation, which allegedly left Ancelotti at a match without any of his selected players. That episode, according to the source, added to the frustration around the situation. Some fans still want Neymar back despite recent setbacks, while others remain unconvinced by Santos’s current plan.
