The Brazil national football team will head into this summer’s World Cup with one of its biggest stars back in the squad after veteran forward Neymar secured a return under head coach Carlo Ancelotti.
The 34-year-old striker was named in Brazil’s roster on Monday, a decision that surprised many observers given his recent struggles with injuries and inconsistent form.
Neymar has endured a difficult period since suffering a torn ACL while representing Brazil during World Cup qualifying in 2023. The injury sidelined him for an extended period and raised serious questions about whether he would feature again at a major international tournament.
After a disappointing spell with Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia, Neymar returned to his boyhood club Santos FC in an effort to rebuild fitness and revive his career.
Although his performances in Brazil have not always been consistent, Ancelotti appears convinced the experienced forward can still contribute at the World Cup in North America.
Neymar remains Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with 79 goals in 128 appearances for the national team and is now set to compete in his fourth World Cup.
The Brazilian squad has already been hit by injury setbacks ahead of the tournament, with Rodrygo and teenage star Estevao both ruled out, creating additional space in the attacking lineup.
Joao Pedro, who plays for Chelsea FC, was reportedly the notable omission among the forwards as Neymar secured his place in the squad.
Meanwhile, veteran defender Thiago Silva was also left out despite previous speculation about a possible return. The 41-year-old former Brazil captain had featured prominently in several previous World Cups.
Ancelotti’s decision to recall Neymar adds both experience and star power to a Brazil squad aiming to reclaim international football’s biggest prize.
Brazil’s World Cup squad
Goalkeepers: Alisson Becker (Liverpool), Ederson (Fenerbahce), Weverton (Gremio)
Defenders: Alex Sandro (Flamengo), Bremer (Juventus) Danilo (Flamengo), Douglas Santos (Zenit), Gabriel Magalhaes (Arsenal), Roger Ibanez (Al-Ahli), Leo Pereira (Flamengo), Marquinhos (PSG), Wesley (AS Roma)
Midfielders: Casemiro (Manchester United), Bruno Guimaraes (Newcastle), Fabinho (Al-Ittihad), Danilo (Botafogo), Lucas Paqueta (Flamengo)
Forwards: Endrick (Lyon), Vinicius (Real Madrid), Matheus Cunha (Manchester United), Neymar (Santos), Raphinha (Barcelona), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal), Rayan (Bournemouth), Igor Thiago (Brentford), Luiz Henrique (Zenit)
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