Coach Carlo Ancelotti has included him in the squad announced for the World Cup, which begins next month.
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Brazilian superstar Neymar made a dramatic comeback to the national team for the World Cup on Monday. He was recalled to the national team after a three-year absence. Coach Carlo Ancelotti included him in the squad announced for the World Cup starting next month. Neymar, who has been plagued by injuries in recent times, now has the opportunity to play in the biggest tournament in world football.
Neymar's presence in the 26-member squad announced by Ancelotti has been the most surprising. He is Brazil's top scorer. He has scored 79 goals in 128 matches for Brazil. Neymar's name was announced during a special event held in Rio de Janeiro. Ancelotti's team announcement was met with jubilation.
There had long been debate about whether the 34-year-old Neymar, a former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) player, would be included in the Brazilian team. Neymar played in the 2014, 2018 and 2022 World Cups. But he has not been in the Brazilian team since he was injured in the last World Cup qualifiers. He was injured in the 2023 qualifiers against Uruguay.
He was out of the Brazilian team due to the same injury and poor form. Ancelotti left Neymar out of the team in March after showing a lack of fitness in international friendlies against France and Croatia. After spending time injured in Saudi Arabia, he returned to his first club Santos in January. Now the path to play in the World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico is open for him.
Coach Ancelotti said at the team announcement event, ‘We have been watching his game closely lately.’ In the process, his game has improved and his physical condition has also been fine. We are convinced that he is an important player for the Brazilian team.' Neymar has played in only 15 of 31 matches since joining Santos in 2026.
Brazil are bidding to win a record sixth World Cup. The team will face Morocco in their first match of the tournament. Brazil are in Group 'C' with Haiti and Scotland. Now, Neymar will be joined in the Brazilian attack by Barcelona's Rafinha and Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior.
