Brazilian superstar Neymar is officially heading to another World Cup after being named in Brazil national football team coach Carlo Ancelotti’s 26-man squad for this summer’s tournament.
The announcement marks a major comeback for Neymar, who has struggled with injuries in recent years and has not featured for Brazil since 2023.
Now 34 and currently playing for Santos FC, Neymar remains Brazil’s all-time leading goalscorer with 79 goals in 128 appearances for the national team.
His inclusion means he is set to appear at a fourth World Cup, having previously represented Brazil at the 2014, 2018, and 2022 tournaments.
Ancelotti unveiled the squad during a ceremony in Rio de Janeiro, where fans reportedly erupted in cheers the moment Neymar’s name was announced.
The former Real Madrid CF manager explained that Brazil’s coaching staff closely monitored Neymar’s condition before making the final decision.
“We spent the entire year analysing Neymar,” Ancelotti said.
“We realised that in this last period he had continuity and was in good physical condition.”
Neymar’s return instantly becomes one of the biggest talking points ahead of the tournament, especially considering the doubts surrounding his fitness over the past two years.
The forward has battled several injury setbacks that have interrupted both his club and international careers, raising concerns that his World Cup journey with Brazil might already be over.
However, his experience, creativity, and status within Brazilian football continue to make him one of the most influential figures in the squad.
Fans across social media celebrated the announcement, with many hoping Neymar can finally help deliver another World Cup trophy for Brazil after years of heartbreak on football’s biggest stage.
For Ancelotti, the decision also signals trust in Neymar’s leadership and ability to influence games despite concerns over age and fitness.
Now, all eyes turn toward whether the Brazilian icon can produce one more memorable World Cup campaign in what could potentially be the final chapter of his international career.
