Brazil forward Neymar has played 14 games for Santos this season
Neymar has been named to Brazil’s 26-man squad for this summer’s World Cup, announced by head coach Carlo Ancelotti.
The 34-year-old, currently playing for Santos in Brazil, is the nation’s all-time leading scorer with 79 goals in 128 appearances. He returns to the Selecao after last featuring in 2023, having faced injury challenges.
His inclusion marks his fourth World Cup appearance, following participation in the 2014, 2018, and 2022 tournaments.
Ancelotti, revealing the squad in Rio de Janeiro, was met with cheers from fans upon the announcement of Neymar’s name.
The 66-year-old Ancelotti, appointed by Brazil last year, stated, “We spent the entire year analysing Neymar.”
“We realised that in this last period he had continuity and was in good physical condition.”
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The squad also features Liverpool’s Alisson Becker, despite his recent injury absence, alongside Manchester United’s Casemiro and Matheus Cunha, Newcastle’s Bruno Guimaraes, Arsenal’s Gabriel, Brentford’s Igor Thiago, and Bournemouth’s Rayan.
However, Chelsea’s Joao Pedro, the Blues’ top Premier League scorer this season, was not selected.
Other notable inclusions are La Liga stars Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid and Barcelona’s Raphinha, as well as 19-year-old Endrick, currently on loan at Lyon from Real.
Brazil, a five-time World Cup winner, will face Morocco on 13 June, Haiti on 20 June, and Scotland on 24 June in Group C.
The expanded 48-team World Cup, hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, begins on 11 June.
Goalkeepers: Alisson (Liverpool), Ederson (Fenerbahce), Weverton (Gremio).
Defenders: Alex Sandro, Danilo, Leo Pereira (Flamengo), Bremer (Juventus), Ibanez (Al-Ahli), Wesley (Roma), Marquinhos (Paris St-Germain), Gabriel (Arsenal), Douglas Santos (Zenit St. Petersburg).
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), Matheus Cunha (Manchester United), Raphinha (Barcelona), Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid), Luiz Henrique (Zenit St. Petersburg), Neymar (Santos), Rayan (Bournemouth).
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