Neymar is going to the World Cup: Why did Brazil name him in the squad?

"When coach Carlo Ancelotti read aloud the list of players who made the cut to Brazil's World Cup squad, one name earned the loudest cheers: Neymar Jr. After months of sweating over his fitness, the 34-year-old forward breathed a sigh of relief as he earned a place in Brazil's 26-man squad for the tournament in North America, which begins on June 11."

"Brazil coach Ancelotti said he chose Neymar among the nine attackers after seeing an improvement in his fitness levels. Neymar da Silva Santos Jr is Brazil's all-time leading scorer. But his selection to the squad was considered doubtful after a series of injuries kept him out for much of the Selecao's qualifying campaign for the 2026 tournament, where they are aiming for a record-extending sixth title."

"We evaluated Neymar throughout the year and noticed that recently he has been playing consistently and has improved his physical condition, Ancelotti told reporters during Monday's squad announcement in Rio de Janeiro. He has the same role and responsibilities as everyone else, but he is an experienced player. It's true that in some positions we prioritised experience."

"The simple answer is injuries. Neymar struggled to return to top fitness and had not been part of the national team since suffering a serious knee injury an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear in October 2023. An injury-marred spell at Saudi club Al Hilal and an underwhelming return to his boyhood club Santos last year further cast doubts over the veteran's inclusion."

Neymar Jr. earned a place in Brazil’s 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup in North America, beginning June 11, after months of fitness work. Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti selected Neymar among nine attackers after observing improved physical condition and consistent recent play. Neymar had not appeared for Brazil since 2023 following an ACL knee injury in October 2023. His national-team return followed a period of uncertainty shaped by injuries that kept him out for much of the 2026 qualifying campaign. An injury-marred spell at Saudi club Al Hilal and a limited impact upon returning to Santos added further doubt, sparking national debate about the call-up.

Read at www.aljazeera.com