Neymar Named in Brazil’s 26-Man World Cup Squad
Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti includes the veteran forward after a long injury layoff, as Neymar prepares for a record fourth World Cup appearance.
- Neymar returns to the national team after last playing for Brazil in 2023.
- He remains Brazil’s all-time top scorer with 79 goals in 128 appearances.
- Carlo Ancelotti says Neymar’s recent fitness and form justified his selection.
Brazil forward Neymar has been named in a 26-man squad for the upcoming World Cup by head coach Carlo Ancelotti, marking a major return for the veteran attacker after a long international absence.
The 34-year-old, who currently plays for Brazilian club Santos, has not featured for the national team since 2023 due to recurring injury problems. Despite that, he remains Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with 79 goals in 128 appearances.
His selection means he will compete in a fourth World Cup, having previously represented Brazil in 2014, 2018, and 2022.
The squad announcement was made during a ceremony in Rio de Janeiro, where Neymar’s inclusion was met with loud cheers from fans.
Ancelotti, who took charge of Brazil last year, said the decision came after a full year of monitoring the player’s condition and form.
“We spent the entire year analysing Neymar,” he said. “We realised that in this last period he had continuity and was in good physical condition.”
