Neymar returns to Brazil squad for World Cup

RIO DE JANEIRO: Neymar has been selected in Brazil's squad for next month's World Cup, with head coach Carlo Ancelotti confirming the decision on Monday as the forward moves closer to a return to international football's biggest tournament after an injury-hit period.

The 34-year-old, Brazil's all-time top scorer, is back in the national team setup after a lengthy absence caused by a series of injuries that sidelined him for much of the qualifying campaign. Brazil, five-time world champions, are seeking a sixth title.

The squad announcement took place at Rio de Janeiro's Museum of Tomorrow, where dozens of journalists gathered for an event that also featured musical performances and celebrity appearances. Much of the attention was focused on whether Ancelotti would include Neymar.

Ancelotti, 66, took charge of Brazil's men's national team last year and had not previously called up the former Barcelona and Paris St Germain player. Earlier this month, he had told Reuters that any decision on Neymar would depend on fitness and form rather than emotion.

Explaining the selection at a press conference on Monday, Ancelotti said:

We evaluated Neymar throughout the year and noticed that recently he has been playing consistently and has improved his physical condition.

He added:

He has the same role and responsibilities as everyone else, but he is an experienced player. It's true that in some positions we prioritized experience.

Neymar's return after injury setbacks

Neymar has scored 79 goals for Brazil but has not played for the national side since 2023. His condition and form had been under scrutiny following an injury-affected spell at Al Hilal and an underwhelming return to his boyhood club Santos last year.

On Sunday, Neymar said he believed he had done everything possible to show he was fully fit and worthy of a place in the squad. Speaking after Santos' 3-0 loss to Coritiba, he told reporters:

Physically, I feel great. I've been improving with every game.

Squad largely unchanged

The rest of Brazil's squad was mostly kept intact from the qualifying campaign and recent friendly matches. In attack, Neymar joins players including Vinicius Junior, Raphinha, Matheus Cunha and Endrick.

Real Madrid forward Rodrygo, defender Eder Militao and Chelsea winger Estevao were omitted because of injuries. Chelsea forward Joao Pedro and midfielder Andrey Santos, who had previously received call-ups, were also not included in the final squad.

Ancelotti acknowledged that some players would be disappointed by the final list, saying:

Some of the players who were with us this year won't be happy with this list. I'm sorry, and I want to thank everyone who was with us.

Brazil begin their World Cup campaign against Morocco on June 13 in New Jersey. They will also play Haiti and Scotland in Group C.

Brazil squad

Goalkeepers: Alisson (Liverpool), Ederson (Fenerbahçe), Weverton (Gremio)

Defenders: Alex Sandro (Flamengo), Bremer (Juventus), Danilo (Flamengo), Douglas Santos (Zenit), Gabriel Magalhaes (Arsenal), Ibanez (Al Ahli), Leo Pereira (Flamengo), Marquinhos (PSG), Wesley (Roma)

Midfielders: Bruno Guimaraes (Newcastle), Casemiro (Manchester United), Danilo Santos (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 Jr (Real Madrid)