Neymar named in Brazil’s 26 as Ancelotti makes late call for World Cup | OneFootball

Neymar has been selected by Carlo Ancelotti in Brazil’s 26 for the World Cup from 11 June to 19 July. The 34-year-old, the Seleção’s record scorer, returns as one of the summer’s headline acts and his call-up sparked nationwide relief.

According to L'Équipe, Ancelotti decided only days before naming the squad and told very few people. Neymar received no hint and learned of his inclusion as the Italian read the names in alphabetical order.

The case was delicate given his World Cup history, from an ankle sprain against Serbia in 2022, a 2-0 win, to the 2014 back injury against Colombia, a 2-1 quarter-final, before the 1-7 loss to Germany without him.

Ancelotti accepts the spotlight but judged the upside to outweigh the risk. He has given no guarantees, saying selection will be earned on the pitch and that Neymar has the same obligations as everyone else.

Recent creative shortfalls, and the absence of Rodrygo and Estevao, shaped that view. Neymar is considered capable of the decisive touch Brazil lack, and Joao Pedro, despite 20 goals and six assists this season, will watch the World Cup from home.

Inside the federation there was relief too, with his presence lifting interest, audiences, sponsors and global attention. Talks with his camp were said to be constructive for months, and after rejoining Santos in January 2025 he targeted this moment, nearly three years after a serious knee injury had kept him out.

Source: L'Équipe