The superstar is back: Neymar has made it into the Brazilian squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup.
After an absence of nearly three years, the FC Santos forward is part of the 26-man squad named by national coach Carlo Ancelotti for the World Cup in the USA, Mexico, and Canada (June 11 to July 19).
The inclusion of the 34-year-old record goalscorer (79 goals in 128 international matches) had been the biggest question mark for months leading up to the nomination for the five-time world champions, announced at a gala event on Monday in Rio de Janeiro.
Loud cheers erupted when Neymar’s nomination was announced.
He’s Going to the World Cup! Neymar Hasn’t Played for Brazil in Over Two and a Half Years
The former Barcelona and PSG striker has not played for Brazil since a knee injury sustained in a World Cup qualifier against Uruguay in October 2023. In attack, Ancelotti can also rely on Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior, Lyon’s young talent Endrick (19), and Barcelona’s Raphinha, who is returning after a thigh injury. Former Bundesliga player Matheus Cunha is also included.
In the group stage of the World Cup, the Selecao will face Morocco, Scotland, and Haiti in Group C. Brazilian fans have been waiting for the South Americans’ sixth World Cup triumph since their last title win in 2002 at the World Cup tournament in South Korea and Japan, with a 2-0 victory in the final in Yokohama against the German national team.