Brazilian media split, Spain indifferent to Neymar recall for 2026 World Cup | OneFootball

According to L'Équipe, Neymar Jr, 34, has been named by Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti in a 26 for the 2026 World Cup, a surprise recall that has split opinion in Brazil and met a cooler response in Spain.

The announcement on Monday night guaranteed the forward a spot at a finals staged in the United States, Canada and Mexico from 11 June to 19 July. He has 128 caps and 79 goals.

Globo says video calls between Ancelotti, his staff and the former PSG player helped dispel lingering doubts and clarified a reduced role compared with previous tournaments.

Placar reworked its homepage around Neymar, pondering a false nine brief he does not fill at Santos, and suggesting the end of an era of privileges in the national team.

Lance argued he now carries the same responsibility as others and is not sure to start. Recent flashpoints were recalled, including striking a team-mate and raging after a mistaken substitution. ESPN called Ancelotti's choice a gamble, while TNT Sports Brasil noted a return after stop-start performances.

In Spain the reaction was more muted. Sport focused on Barcelona matters and the expected departure of Pep Guardiola, while Mundo Deportivo pushed the Neymar surprise low on its front page beneath Joao Pedro and Barça handball.

Madrid outlets paid more attention. Marca led elsewhere with José Mourinho's possible route to Real Madrid but flagged, on the right of its online front page, Brazil's list as a global surprise, and As hailed a bombshell and the king's return.

Source: L'Équipe