Brazil erupted in celebration as national team coach Carlo Ancelotti announced the inclusion of superstar Neymar Jr. in the 2026 World Cup squad. The 34-year-old forward, currently playing for his boyhood club Santos, has overcome a series of injuries and personal setbacks to earn a spot on the plane to North America. The announcement, made during a press conference on Monday, sent waves of excitement through fans and players alike.

Key Facts

• Neymar's return: The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star last played for Brazil over two and a half years ago, suffering a cruciate ligament tear that sidelined him for months.
• Club situation: After a disappointing stint at Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal, where injuries repeatedly hampered his progress, Neymar returned to Santos in January 2025. He has since regained form and fitness, featuring regularly for the Brazilian side.
• Coach's faith: Ancelotti praised Neymar's talent and work ethic, emphasizing that the player is well-liked in the dressing room and would not cause any disruption. He stated that Neymar has been working hard on his comeback and has shown significant improvement in recent matches.
• Fan reaction: When Ancelotti read out Neymar's name during the squad announcement, the reaction was the loudest among all players, highlighting the undying love Brazilian supporters have for their record goalscorer.
• World Cup group: Brazil has been drawn in Group C alongside Morocco, Haiti, and Scotland. Their opening match is against Morocco on June 14.
• Squad overview: The 26-man squad includes goalkeepers Alisson, Ederson, and Weverton; defenders such as Marquinhos, Gabriel, and Danilo; midfielders like Casemiro, Bruno Guimaraes, and Lucas Paqueta; and attackers including Vinicius Jr., Raphinha, and Neymar.

Background and Reactions

Neymar's journey back to the national team has been fraught with obstacles. After establishing himself as one of the world's best players at Santos, he moved to Barcelona in 2013, winning multiple titles including the Champions League. His record-breaking transfer to PSG in 2017 brought further success, but injuries began to accumulate. A move to Al-Hilal in 2023 was intended to provide a less demanding environment, but a serious knee injury soon after his arrival derailed his progress. The recovery period was long and arduous, with several setbacks testing his resilience.

In January 2025, Neymar made the emotional decision to return to Santos, the club where his professional career began. The move was seen as a way to rediscover his joy for the game and regain match fitness. His performances in the Brazilian league have been promising, with flashes of the skill and creativity that made him a global icon. Ancelotti's decision to include him in the World Cup squad is a testament to Neymar's determination and the coach's belief in his abilities.

Ancelotti, a seasoned manager with experience at Real Madrid, Chelsea, and Bayern Munich, took over the Brazilian national team in 2024. He has emphasized a blend of experienced stars and young talents. The inclusion of Neymar, despite his age and injury history, is a strategic move to provide leadership and firepower in attack. Ancelotti has publicly stated that Neymar remains a vital player for the country because of his unmatched talent and the respect he commands from teammates.

Neymar's Legacy and Impact

Neymar is Brazil's all-time leading scorer with 79 goals in 128 appearances. He is also the second-most capped player in Seleção history, behind only Cafu. His performances in previous World Cups have been memorable, including a starring role in the 2014 tournament on home soil, where Brazil finished fourth, and the 2018 campaign in Russia, where they reached the quarterfinals. In 2022, Neymar carried Brazil to the quarterfinals before a narrow defeat to Croatia on penalties.

Off the pitch, Neymar has been a polarizing figure. His flamboyant lifestyle and occasional on-field theatrics have drawn criticism, but his commitment to the national team has never been in doubt. The recent controversies, including legal issues and public disputes, have not diminished his popularity among the Brazilian public. For many fans, Neymar represents the joy and flair of Brazilian football.

Brazil's World Cup Campaign

Brazil enters the 2026 tournament as one of the favorites, aiming to add a sixth star to their crest. The competition will be hosted across Mexico, Canada, and the United States from June 11 to July 19. Coach Ancelotti has a deep squad with a mix of European-based stars and domestic talents. The group stage presents manageable challenges: Morocco, a strong African side that reached the semifinals in 2022; Haiti, a less experienced team; and Scotland, who qualified through the European playoffs.

The full squad announcement included familiar names such as goalkeeper Alisson, defender Marquinhos, and midfield anchor Casemiro. Youngsters like Vinicius Jr., who has emerged as a world-class talent at Real Madrid, and Endrick, the teenage sensation now at Lyon, add pace and creativity to the attack. Neymar's presence will likely complement these players, providing a seasoned playmaker who can unlock defenses with his dribbling and vision.

The selection of Neymar has also sparked debate about his fitness. Critics point to his history of muscle injuries and the intense physical demands of a World Cup. However, Ancelotti has dismissed these concerns, stating that Neymar is in excellent shape and has been training rigorously. The player himself has expressed his gratitude for the opportunity and his determination to help Brazil win the title. He posted on social media: "It is an honor to wear this jersey again. I will give everything for my country."

Brazil's preparation will include friendly matches before the tournament begins. The team is expected to arrive in the United States early June to acclimatize to the conditions. Ancelotti has stressed the importance of squad unity, and Neymar's inclusion is seen as a boost to morale. The veteran forward is known for his close relationships with several teammates, including Vinicius Jr., Richarlison, and Marquinhos.

As the countdown to the World Cup continues, Brazilians are celebrating what they consider the return of their greatest football icon. The streets of Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo saw spontaneous parties after the squad announcement. Merchants reported a surge in sales of Neymar jerseys. The excitement is palpable, and the pressure on Neymar to deliver is immense. But if his career has shown anything, it is that he thrives when the stakes are highest. The stage is set for one of the most anticipated comebacks in World Cup history.

Source: bild.de News