Finally, Neymar can shake off the pressure that has been building up for months.

Previously, he had repeatedly expressed his desire to participate in the 2026 World Cup, even while struggling with knee injuries and fitness issues. After more than 900 days absent from the national team, the biggest football event on the planet still awaits Neymar.

The moment Neymar appeared on the Brazilian national team's squad list for the 2026 World Cup. Photo: Reuters

For Brazilian football, it marks the return of the team's all-time leading goalscorer. For Neymar, it's like confirmation that he hasn't been left behind.

Just a few days earlier, the 34-year-old striker had experienced one of his most disappointing moments since returning to Santos FC. In a match against Coritiba in the Brazilian league, Santos' coaching staff wanted to substitute defender Gonzalo Escobar, but the referees mistakenly displayed Neymar's number 10 on the scoreboard. Neymar was asked to leave the game because the substitution procedure was complete. He reacted, arguing with the referee, snatching the substitution sheet to prove his team had no intention of taking him off, and even received a yellow card for his reaction.

For a player who has struggled with injuries for two years, every minute of playing time is crucial to test his fitness, adaptability, and especially to convince Brazil's head coach, Carlo Ancelotti.

Neymar understands that better than anyone.

An injury sustained against Uruguay in October 2023 nearly ruined his entire World Cup campaign. Playing for Al Hilal, Neymar only made sporadic appearances before suffering another long-term absence. International media described this as the most disappointing period in the career of the striker once considered the greatest icon of Brazilian football, following the 2002 World Cup-winning generation of Ronaldo de Lima, Ronaldinho, Rivaldo, and others.

More importantly, Neymar's absence coincided with a period of transition for the Brazilian national team. Vinicius, Rodrygo, and Endrick emerged, representing the next generation of Brazilian football.

For the first time in over a decade, Brazil is operating without revolving around Neymar. Coach Ancelotti confirmed that the Brazilian coaching staff monitored Neymar for a long time before making the final decision. He emphasized that Neymar has the same role and responsibilities as every other player in the squad. This reflects the biggest change in Neymar's position in the Brazilian national team today. He is no longer the sole center of every tactical plan.

Neymar still has much unfinished business with Brazil. Photo: Reuters

Coach Ancelotti has also repeatedly shown that he does not grant any special privileges to this player. In March 2026, the Italian strategist frankly stated that he only selects players who are in the best physical condition. At that time, Neymar was again excluded from the squad for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

At the time, the Brazilian press questioned the 1992-born striker's ability to participate in the World Cup. Some argued that he was no longer fit enough for top-level football. Others worried that a series of injuries would make it difficult for Neymar to maintain the intensity of play in a long tournament like the World Cup.

Neymar didn't make any statement at the time, only writing briefly on social media: "The dream continues." That statement somewhat reflects Neymar's current situation. He no longer enters the World Cup as an untouchable star like he did in 2014 or 2018.

In early 2026, Neymar decided to return to Santos. This was seen as a move to salvage the final stages of his career. There, Neymar began playing more regularly, accepting a slower pace of play and limiting flashy displays in order to prioritize his physical condition.

At 34, Neymar struggles to maintain the same bursts of speed he displayed during his peak. His injury frequency also makes it difficult for him to guarantee consistent playing time. However, Brazil no longer needs Neymar in the same way.

This could be the first World Cup where Neymar enters the tournament without carrying the entire burden of Brazilian football. The arrival of Vinicius, Raphinha, and Endrick has given Brazil's attack more speed and energy than before. In that context, Neymar could step back into a role of organizing, connecting, and making a difference with his experience and ability to handle the ball in tight spaces.

Nevertheless, the 2026 World Cup still holds special significance for Neymar. His international career with Brazil remains unfinished. From his injury at the 2014 World Cup, the defeat at the 2018 World Cup, to the image of him covering his face after the loss to Croatia in 2022, he has won an Olympic gold medal with Brazil at the 2016 Rio Olympics, breaking Pele's goalscoring record for the national team, but still lacks a major title like the World Cup or the Copa America. The 2026 World Cup could be Neymar's last chance to conclude that journey in a different way.

Brazil has changed considerably since the era when the team placed all its hopes on the shoulders of its number 10. Neymar is also no longer at the peak of his form. The 2026 World Cup may no longer be Neymar's stage alone. However, for a player who has spent much of the past three years struggling with injuries and doubts, a return to the national team at the World Cup would still be a significant milestone in the final years of Neymar's career – a player once considered the biggest face of Brazilian football for over a decade.

    Source: https://www.qdnd.vn/the-thao/worldcup-2026/world-cup-2026-neymar-va-brazil-con-lai-gi-cho-nhau-1040430