RIO DE JANEIRO (Kashmir English): Neymar has been named in Brazil’s squad for next month’s FIFA World Cup, manager Carlo Ancelotti said.
The 34-year-old forward has returned to international soccer’s biggest stage after an injury-disrupted cycle.
Neymar is Brazil’s all-time leading scorer
Neymar, Brazil’s all-time leading scorer, comes back following a prolonged absence from the pitch due to a series of injuries that kept him out for much of the qualifying campaign. It is to mention here that Brazil would be pursuing a record-extending sixth title at the 2026 event.
As dozens of journalists gathered at Rio de Janeiro’s ‘Museum of Tomorrow’ where all eyes were on Ancelotti’s decision on whether to include Neymar in the squad.
The 66-year-old Italian, who took charge of Brazil’s men’s national team last year, had said earlier this month that Neymar’s inclusion would be based on fitness and form, not sentiment.
“We evaluated Neymar throughout the year and noticed that recently he has been playing consistently and has improved his physical condition,” Ancelotti said at a press conference on Monday.
“He has the same role and responsibilities as everyone else, but he is an experienced player. It’s true that in some positions we prioritised experience.”
Neymar has 79 international goals but has not featured for Brazil since 2023.
Brazil will open their 2026 World Cup campaign against Morocco on June 13 in New Jersey. They also face Haiti and Scotland in Group C.
Brazil squad
Alisson (Liverpool), Ederson (Fenerbahçe), Weverton (Gremio), Alex Sandro (Flamengo), Bremer (Juventus), Danilo (Flamengo), Douglas Santos (Zenit), Gabriel Magalhaes (Arsenal), Ibanez (Al Ahli), Leo Pereira (Flamengo), Marquinhos (PSG), Wesley (Roma), Bruno Guimaraes (Newcastle), Casemiro (Manchester United), Danilo Santos (Botafogo), Fabinho (Al Ittihad), Lucas Paqueta (Flamengo), Endrick (Lyon), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal), Igor Thiago (Brentford), Luiz Henrique (Zenit), Matheus Cunha (Manchester United), Neymar (Santos), Raphinha (Barcelona), Rayan (Bournemouth), Vinicius Jr (Real Madrid).
