The new Brazil coach, Carlo Ancelotti, feels Neymar is a very important player and has urged the veteran to start preparing well for the 2026 World Cup.

"He must prepare well, and he has the time to do that. He's a very important player for us regarding the World Cup," the Italian said in an interview with the South American football federation

The 33-year-old Neymar extended his contract with Santos, a Brazilian side, to the end of the year this week. He has been struggling with injuries and has only played 12 matches in five months for Santos, in which he managed to score three goals.