Carletto has his word on Neymar: "No one neglects his talent, but..."

The days are flying by, the 2026 World Cup is closing in, and football fever is spreading across the globe. Argentina are sharpening their swords to defend the throne - with or without Lionel Messi - while Brazil, as always, arrive under the brightest spotlight.

But this time, there's a twist. It's Carlo Ancelotti, the calm Italian master, who will lead the five-time champions into battle across the stadiums of the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

And by the looks of it, he'll do it without Neymar.

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The coach didn’t say it outright, but his diplomatic tone in a big interview for Spanish newspaper AS said it all. When asked the direct question: "Are the World Cup doors closed for Neymar?" - Ancelotti paused, smiled slightly, and dropped a sentence that echoed across Brazil.

"No one can question Neymar's talent, but he's been injured very often lately. He's playing again now, but he must reach his top physical level. Modern football is intense - the physical demands are extreme."

It wasn't a "no", but it wasn't a "yes" either. It sounded like a polite farewell.

At 34 next February, after two years filled more with pain than goals, the man once hailed as the heir to Pele is slowly fading into the rearview mirror. The dream of a fourth World Cup is slipping away - and Brazil is already marching forward without him.

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From now on, the music plays for Vinicius, Rodrygo, Militao, Casemiro, and Raphinha. The old samba star is gone; a new rhythm is taking over.

And Ancelotti knows exactly who must lead it.

"It's true that Vini hasn't yet played for Brazil at the same level as for Real Madrid," the coach admitted. "But lately, he's been better - scoring, assisting. His quality is unquestionable. He's top class."

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Still, even Ancelotti had to scold his pupil. The Italian tactician didn’t forget Vinícius's tantrum during the last El Clasico, when he threw a fit after being substituted despite Madrid's victory.

"He made a mistake that day. He needs to understand his new role in the dressing room - a bigger responsibility. He apologized, and that's good. The coach has the right to change whoever he wants for the good of the team."

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Ancelotti's faith in his star remains unshaken, though. Especially after the heartbreak of last year's Ballon d'Or, when Vini fell just short of his teammate Rodri.

"Maybe it affected him a bit, but now he's back close to his best. He's winning games again. Vini has a strong character - he doesn't cry over criticism, he moves forward. I'm sure he'll arrive at the World Cup in his best form."

So as the countdown to 2026 continues, the message from Don Carlo is clear: Brazil's future no longer belongs to Neymar. It belongs to Vinicius Junior and a new generation ready to dance their own samba - the Ancelotti way.