Nation’s all-time leading scorer features after “improving his fitness” but Chelsea’s Joao Pedro misses out
Neymar will play at the World Cup one last time after he was included in Brazil’s 26-man squad for the summer tournament.
The 34-year-old was named by Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti on Monday. There had been doubts over whether the forward would be fit enough to be included after his long recovery from a serious knee injury.
After the squad announcement in Rio de Janeiro, Ancelotti said Neymar had made progress physically and would have an important role to play for Brazil at the tournament.
“He has improved his fitness,” Ancelotti said. “He will be an important player in this World Cup.”
Neymar, Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with 79 goals, returned to boyhood club Santos last year following a disappointing spell with Al-Hilal. He has scored eight goals across his previous three World Cup appearances in 2014, 2018 and 2022 as Brazil chase a first world title since 2002.
Ancelotti said experience had influenced some of his selections, with Neymar included alongside established attacking names Vinicius Junior and Raphinha.
“He can still improve his fitness until the first match of the World Cup,” Ancelotti said. “He has experience in this kind of competition, the love of our group. He can create a better environment in this group.”
The squad also includes first World Cup call-ups for teenage talent Endrick and Bournemouth’s Rayan, but there was no place for Chelsea’s Joao Pedro.
“It was very difficult to choose these 26 players,” Ancelotti said. “Why? Because the competition in this country is very, very high. I know some players who have been with us this year will be unhappy.”
