Neymar has made a dramatic return to the Brazil national football team squad after almost three years away from international football.
Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti included the veteran forward in his 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with the announcement receiving huge cheers during a gala event in Rio de Janeiro.
Neymar, Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with 79 international goals, had not featured for the national team since suffering a serious knee injury during a World Cup qualifier against Uruguay in 2023. Injuries and inconsistent form kept him out of recent squads, raising doubts over whether he would return before the tournament.
However, after rejoining boyhood club Santos FC earlier this year, Neymar has done enough to convince Ancelotti that he is ready for football’s biggest stage once again.
The 34-year-old will now aim to help Brazil chase a record sixth World Cup title at the 2026 tournament, which will be hosted in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Brazil begin their campaign against Morocco national football team before facing Haiti and Scotland in Group C.
Neymar’s return adds experience and star power to the Brazilian squad, with fans hopeful he can make a major impact in what could be his final World Cup appearance.
