Neymar returns to the Brazilian national team after 3 years.

After nearly three years of absence, Neymar has officially returned to the Brazilian national team, ready to head to North America for the 2026 World Cup.

Neymar’s return

Recently, coach Carlo Ancelotti announced the 26-player squad for the Brazilian national team for the 2026 World Cup. The biggest highlight, of course, is the return of Neymar, a name who had never been officially called up under the Italian coach.

The last time Neymar wore the Brazilian national team jersey was in October 2023 (Photo: ESPN)

Speaking at a press conference in Rio de Janeiro, the Brazilian national team coach said: “Neymar’s fitness has improved. He has experience in top-level tournaments, is well-liked by his teammates, and can create a better atmosphere for the whole team.”

Not only does he possess the ability to create game-changing moments, the Santos FC striker also brings the morale and experience that a relatively young team like Brazil currently needs. This will be the fourth World Cup for the striker born in 1992, the all-time leading goalscorer for the “Samba Dancers”. With many talented players making their World Cup debut, such as Endrick Felipe (Lyon) or Rayan Vitor (Bournemouth), Neymar’s presence provides the “Selecao” with an added foundation of mental fortitude.

However, unlike previous World Cups, Ancelotti’s Brazil team no longer places the entire responsibility on Neymar’s shoulders. This is something that legend Cafu has repeatedly emphasized. According to the 2002 World Cup champion, Brazil has relied too heavily on Neymar for over a decade, often forcing him to shoulder responsibilities beyond his individual capabilities.

“In 2002, we had the attacking trio of Ronaldo, Rivaldo, and Ronaldinho, ensuring the team didn’t rely on a single star. If Neymar receives the same support as in 2002, he won’t always need to be the best player on the pitch,” Cafu analyzed.

Extend Ancelotti’s contract.

This time, the South American representatives possess a significantly more balanced squad. Players like Vinicius Junior and Raphinha are in the prime of their careers and are capable of sharing the attacking burden. In particular, Raphinha is gradually regaining his form after a thigh injury, having just scored a brace for Barcelona earlier this week.

Vinicius (right) and Raphinha are expected to lead Brazil’s attack alongside Neymar (Photo: Marca)

Conversely, several players will be unable to travel to North America this summer due to injury or failure to meet professional requirements. Notably, Andrey Santos is unlikely to compete for a midfield spot after an inconsistent season at Chelsea. Experienced players such as Bruno Guimaraes, Casemiro, Danilo Santos, Fabinho, and Lucas Paqueta continue to be preferred.

Last week, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) extended Ancelotti’s contract until 2030. This move demonstrates the long-term faith that Brazilian football has in the strategist who has won the Champions League five times. However, after two consecutive World Cup quarter-final exits, the pressure on the 1959-born coach is immense.

In North America, Brazil will begin their World Cup campaign with a relatively tough encounter against Morocco, the team that finished 4th in the 2022 World Cup and is the reigning African champion.

Meanwhile, the other two opponents in Group C, Haiti and Scotland, are considered significantly weaker.