NEYMAR has been named in Brazil’s 26-man World Cup squad.
Many local analysts and former footballers deemed the former Barcelona star’s inclusion to be unlikely only days ago.
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Carlo Ancelotti confirmed that Neymar had been recalled to his squad Credit: Shutterstock Editorial
Neymar suffered a devastating injury on his last appearance for Brazil in 2023 Credit: AFP
The forward will appear at his fourth World Cup, having featured at home in 2014, as well as at Russia 2018 and Qatar 2022 – with his inclusion in the squad sparking joyous scenes on the streets of his homeland.
Neymar, 34, is Brazil‘s all-time top goalscorer with 79 but has struggled to return to top fitness since he tore his left ACL in October 2023.
He’s played eight matches for Santos this year with four goals and two assists.
The ex-PSG ace has improved his fitness and will be an important player in this World Cup, boss Carlo Ancelotti claimed at a press conference in Rio de Janeiro.
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Ancelotti added that he preferred experienced players for some spots in his squad, including Neymar.
The Italian did admit that Neymar can still improve his fitness until the first match of the World Cup.
And he also pointed to Neymar’s popularity among the rest of the squad.
Shortly before Ancelotti’s squad was announced, Neymar changed his Instagram bio in a revealing way; adding Brazil alongside Santos.
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Brazil’s 26-man squad
Goalkeepers:Alisson (Liverpool), Ederson (Fenerbahce), Weverton (Gremio)Defenders:Alex Sandro, Danilo, Leo Pereira (Flamengo), Bremer (Juventus), Ibanez (Al-Ahli), Wesley (Roma), Marquinhos (Paris Saint-Germain), Gabriel Magalhaes (Arsenal), Douglas Santos (Zenit St. Petersburg)Midfielders:Bruno Guimaraes (Newcastle), Casemiro (Manchester United), Danilo Santos (Botafogo), Fabinho (Al-Ittihad), Lucas Paqueta (Flamengo)
ForwardsEndrick (Lyon), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal), Igor Thiago (Brentford), Matheus Cunha (Manchester United), Raphinha (Barcelona), Vinicius Jnior (Real Madrid), Luiz Henrique (Zenit St. Petersburg), Neymar (Santos), Rayan (Bournemouth)
Brazil’s 26-man squad also features main men Vinicius Jr and Raphinha – but Chelsea star Joao Pedro is among those to have missed out.
Ancelotti, who took over in May 2025, had not summoned Neymar until his latest squad.
He extended his contract with the Brazilian Football Confederation last week to the 2030 World Cup but has had a troubled spell in Brazil so far with many injured players out of his World Cup squad; forwards Rodrygo and Estevao the ones he will miss the most in North America.
Brazil open their World Cup campaign against Morocco in New Jersey on June 13, followed by matches against Haiti and Scotland in Group C.
