Neymar included in Brazil World Cup squad

Brazil superstar Neymar was recalled to the national team for the World Cup on Monday, ending a nearly three‑year absence.

The inclusion of Neymar, Brazil’s all‑time leading goalscorer with 79 goals in 128 appearances, was the most unexpected element of the 26‑man squad announced by coach Carlo Ancelotti.

Ancelotti revealed Neymar’s selection at a ceremony in Rio de Janeiro, where cheers erupted as the veteran attacker’s call‑up was confirmed.

For months there had been speculation about whether the 34‑year‑old former Barcelona and Paris Saint‑Germain striker would regain a place in the national team.

The forward, who has played in the 2014, 2018 and 2022 World Cups, had not represented Brazil since a knee injury sustained during a World Cup qualifying match against Uruguay in 2023.

A combination of injuries and a dip in form had kept him out of the squad, with Ancelotti citing fitness concerns after leaving him out of Brazil’s March friendlies against France and Croatia.

Now, after rejoining his boyhood club Santos in January following an injury‑plagued stint in Saudi Arabia, Neymar has earned Ancelotti’s approval for the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Brazil, which is chasing a record‑tying sixth World Cup title, will open their campaign against Morocco on 13 June before facing Haiti and Scotland in Group C.

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Alisson (Liverpool/ENG), Ederson (Fenerbahce/TUR), Weverton (Gremio/BRA)

Defenders: Alex Sandro (Flamengo/BRA), Danilo (Flamengo/BRA), Leo Pereira (Flamengo/BRA), Bremer (Juventus/ITA), Douglas Santos (Zenit St Petersburg/RUS), Gabriel Magalhães (Arsenal/ENG), Ibanez (Al‑Ahli/KSA), Marquinhos (Paris Saint‑Germain/FRA), Wesley (Roma/ITA)

Midfielders: Bruno Guimaraes (Newcastle/ENG), Casemiro (Manchester United/ENG), Danilo (Botafogo), Fabinho (Al‑Ittihad/KSA), Lucas Paqueta (Flamengo/BRA)

Forwards: Endrick (Lyon/FRA), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal/ENG), Igor Thiago (Brentford/ENG), Luiz Henrique (Zenit/RUS), Matheus Cunha (Manchester United/ENG), Neymar (Santos/BRA), Raphinha (Barcelona/ESP), Rayan (Bournemouth/ENG), Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid/ESP)

AFP

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