Neymar will wear the Brazil national team jersey again. After injury and a long absence, he made the final roster for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North and Central America.
British outlet Goal.com reported on the 20th (Korea time) that Neymar expressed great joy at returning to the Brazil national team and cried when he learned he had been selected for the 2026 North and Central America World Cup roster.
The Brazilian Football Confederation on the 19th posted the final roster for the North and Central America World Cup on its official website. Vinícius Júnior, Raphinha, Gabriel Martinelli and others were included. Meanwhile, João Pedro, who had played for Chelsea, was left off the roster. The name that drew the most attention was Neymar.
Neymar's return to the national team is his first since October 2023. It is his return to the Seleção after about two years and seven months. He lost a long time to injury while at Al Hilal, then returned to his old club Santos to focus on regaining his condition. Until last season he missed many matches with hamstring injuries and others, but recently he has shown signs of revival by recording attacking contributions in each game he played.
There was anticipation even before the final roster was announced. Neymar was included in the preliminary roster, increasing the possibility of his return to the national team. And in the end he was chosen by coach Carlo Ancelotti. Brazil's iconic forward is heading back to the World Cup stage.
Neymar could not hide his emotions. In an interview with Santos TV he said, "I cried for hours. The journey to get here was not easy. When my name was called, I realized that it was rewarding to have overcome all difficulties and endured all the effort."
Returning to Santos was also an important turning point. Neymar admitted, "Since I returned I always say the same thing. I feel as comfortable here as if it were home. It's hard to explain." After going through Europe and the Middle East and returning to his old club, he regrouped physically and mentally and achieved a return to the national team.
He did not forget to offer thanks. Neymar said, "I thank everyone. This selection is not mine alone. It belongs to all those who supported me on and off the field and took care of our safety, health and nutrition."
The goal is clear. Neymar said he wants Brazil's sixth World Cup title. He said, "I stand here to repay the support I have received throughout my career. We will all go together for the sixth title."
Before the World Cup, Brazil will play a final tune-up match against Panama. In the group stage of the finals in group C, they will compete for advancement to the knockout stage against Morocco, Haiti and Scotland. On paper, Brazil remains one of the strong favorites to win. However, Neymar's physical condition and how he is actually used are likely to be major points of interest throughout the tournament.
This World Cup is special for Neymar. He is the player who has scored the most goals in Brazil's history, but he has not yet lifted a World Cup trophy. He seized another opportunity after long injuries and doubts. The tears he shed for hours are not an end but a signal that another challenge has begun.
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