Neymar has been named in Brazil's squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup, marking his return to international football after a three-year absence. The forward last played for Brazil in 2023 and has since dealt with multiple injuries that hindered his participation in the qualifying matches.

Neymar's Comeback

Manager Carlo Ancelotti confirmed Neymar's inclusion, emphasizing that the decision was based on the player's fitness and form rather than sentiment. Ancelotti, who has been in charge of the national team since last year, stated, "We evaluated Neymar throughout the year and noticed that recently he has been playing consistently and has improved his physical condition." The 34-year-old is Brazil's all-time leading scorer, with 79 international goals to his name.

Squad Dynamics

Despite Neymar's return, Chelsea striker João Pedro was notably omitted from the squad, which largely mirrors the team that participated in the qualifying campaign and recent friendlies. Alongside Neymar, the attacking lineup will feature players such as Vinícius Júnior, Raphinha, Matheus Cunha, and Endrick. Ancelotti mentioned that while Neymar holds significant experience, all players share equal responsibilities within the squad.

Brazil is set to kick off its World Cup journey against Morocco on June 13 in New Jersey. Neymar expressed confidence in his fitness, stating, "Physically, I feel great. I've been improving with every game," following a recent match with Santos. As Brazil aims for a record-extending sixth World Cup title, Neymar's return adds a compelling narrative to the tournament.