Neymar returns: All-time top scorer named in Brazil's 2026 World Cup squad after injury nightmare
Rio de Janeiro: Brazilian superstar Neymar was handed a dramatic recall to the national team’s World Cup squad Monday, ending a near three-year absence from the international stage.
The inclusion of the 34-year-old forward, who stands as Brazil's all-time leading goalscorer with 79 goals in 128 appearances, emerged as the most significant surprise in the 26-man roster finalised by manager Carlo Ancelotti.
Ancelotti revealed Neymar's selection during a gala ceremony in Rio de Janeiro, drawing loud cheers from the audience as the veteran attacker's return was confirmed. The announcement follows months of intense speculation regarding whether the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star could successfully navigate his way back into the national team structure.
Neymar, a veteran of the 2014, 2018, and 2022 World Cup tournaments, had not featured for the national selection since sustaining a severe knee injury during a World Cup qualifying match against Uruguay in 2023. A combination of persistent physical ailments and inconsistent performances had kept him out of international contention. Ancelotti had previously raised concerns regarding the forward's fitness levels after excluding him from the roster for friendly matches against France and Croatia in March.
However, Neymar has now secured Ancelotti's official endorsement for the upcoming tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The forward rejoined his boyhood club, Santos, in January following an injury-disrupted tenure in Saudi Arabia.
"We monitored Neymar throughout the year and observed that, in recent times, he has been playing consistently and his physical condition has improved," Ancelotti said. "We believe he is an important player."
Injuries have continued to limit Neymar’s availability, restricting him to 15 appearances out of a possible 31 matches since his return to Santos in 2026.
Tournament Outlook and Rosters
Brazil, pursuing a record-extending sixth World Cup championship, is scheduled to open its tournament campaign against Morocco on June 13 before concluding its Group C schedule against Haiti and Scotland. Neymar integrates into a highly potent offensive unit that features Barcelona striker Raphinha and Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior.
Looking ahead to the competition, Ancelotti emphasised that strategic endurance would dictate the tournament's ultimate victor.
"The World Cup won't be won by a perfect team - because a perfect team doesn't exist," Ancelotti noted. "It will be won by the most resilient team."
Official Brazil World Cup Roster
- Goalkeepers: Alisson (Liverpool), Ederson (Fenerbahce), Weverton (Gremio).
- Defenders: Alex Sandro (Flamengo), Danilo (Flamengo), Leo Pereira (Flamengo), Bremer (Juventus), Douglas Santos (Zenit St. Petersburg), Gabriel Magalhães (Arsenal), Ibanez (Al-Ahli), Marquinhos (Paris Saint-Germain), Wesley (Roma).
- Midfielders: Bruno Guimaraes (Newcastle), Casemiro (Manchester United), Danilo (Botafogo), Fabinho (Al-Ittihad), Lucas Paqueta (Flamengo).
- Forwards: Endrick (Lyon), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal), Igor Thiago (Brentford), Luiz Henrique (Zenit), Matheus Cunha (Manchester United), Neymar (Santos), Raphinha (Barcelona), Rayan (Bournemouth), Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid).
With inputs from AFP