AFCON 2025
Neymar Jr couldn’t hide his excitement after Brazil’s hear coach Carlo Ancelotti included him in the final squad for the 2026 World Cup this summer.
The former Barcelona winger was elated after he heard Ancelotti reel out his name during Brazil’s squad announcement on television on Monday evening.
Neymar has openly expressed his desire to be part of Brazil’s World Cup squad over the last few months but the ambition of the Santos forward has divided opinions.
The 34-year-old has struggled with injuries since he returned to his boyhood club Santos in 2025. Hence, the divided opinions among locals concerning his inclusion in the team.
However, Neymar Jr is set to make his fourth World Cup appearance having made his debut in 2014 on home soil.
Carlo Ancelotti on whether Neymar will start at the World Cup:
“I want to be clear: if he deserves to play, he will play. We have training sessions, and in training we will decide who plays.”
“Right now I have an idea of the starting team, but afterwards I have to see how the players perform in training.”
“I repeat, Neymar has the same role as the other 25 players. Everyone has the role of contributing.”
“It’s important not to put ALL the expectations on one player. We are a team, and everyone has to contribute.”
Neymar Jr has eight goals in three World Cup appearances and will lookmto add to his tally next month when the tournament starts across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
