Neymar Returns to Brazil Squad After 3-Year Absence

After three years away from international soccer, Neymar is heading back to the World Cup with Brazil's national team.

The 34-year-old forward, Brazil's all-time leading scorer with 79 international goals, earned his spot on the 2026 World Cup roster after proving his fitness following a difficult recovery period. Manager Carlo Ancelotti announced the decision Monday at Rio de Janeiro's Museum of Tomorrow, ending months of speculation about whether the star player would make the cut.

Neymar hasn't worn Brazil's yellow jersey since 2023, sidelined by a series of injuries that kept him off the field during most of the qualifying campaign. His recent spell at Al-Hilal was marred by setbacks, and his return to boyhood club Santos last year raised questions about whether he could regain his form.

But Ancelotti saw enough improvement to give him the nod. "We evaluated Neymar throughout the year and noticed that recently he has been playing consistently and has improved his physical condition," the Italian manager explained.

The forward's determination never wavered. "Physically, I feel great. I've been improving with every game," Neymar told reporters after a recent Santos match, confident he had done everything necessary to prove his readiness.

Why This Inspires

Neymar's comeback story shows that perseverance pays off, even when the odds seem stacked against you. At 34, an age when many players are winding down their careers, he fought his way back from serious injuries to earn a World Cup spot on merit, not sentiment.

Ancelotti made clear that experience mattered in his selections, but fitness came first. Neymar will carry the same responsibilities as every other squad member as Brazil chases a record-extending sixth World Cup title.

He'll join a loaded attacking lineup featuring Vinícius Júnior, Raphinha, Matheus Cunha, and young star Endrick. Brazil opens its campaign against Morocco on June 13 in New Jersey, then faces Haiti and Scotland in Group C.

The five-time champions are ready to write the next chapter of their World Cup legacy, and Neymar will be part of the story.