Neymar returns to Brazil’s World Cup squad under coach Ancelotti

Brazil’s head coach Carlo Ancelotti has announced a 26-member national squad for the upcoming World Cup, including star forward Neymar. The 34-year-old Neymar, playing for Brazilian club Santos, is Brazil’s all-time leading goal scorer.

He has scored 79 goals in 128 matches. However, due to injury, he had not played for Brazil’s national team, the Seleção, since 2023. With his inclusion this time, Neymar is set to play in his fourth World Cup, having previously represented Brazil in the 2014, 2018, and 2022 tournaments.

Italian coach Ancelotti announced the squad at an event in Rio de Janeiro, where Neymar’s inclusion was met with great enthusiasm by the supporters present.

Ancelotti, 66, who was appointed Brazil’s coach last year, stated, “We have analyzed Neymar’s condition throughout the year. Recently, he has been playing regularly and is in good physical shape.”

Also included in the Brazilian squad is Alisson Becker, despite missing Liverpool’s last 10 matches due to injury.

Additionally, Manchester United’s Casemiro and Matheus Cunha, Newcastle United’s Bruno Guimarães, Arsenal’s Gabriel, Brentford’s Igor Thiago, and Bournemouth’s Ryan have been named in the squad.

However, Chelsea forward João Pedro did not make the team, despite contributing significantly with 15 goals and 5 assists in the Premier League this season.

The squad also features Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior, Barcelona’s Raphinha, and 19-year-old striker Endrick, who is on loan at Lyon from Real Madrid.

The five-time World Cup champions, Brazil, will compete in Group C, facing Morocco on June 13, Haiti on June 20, and Scotland on June 24.

The expanded World Cup, featuring 48 teams, will be jointly hosted by America, Canada, and Mexico, starting on June 11.

Brazil’s World Cup Squad

Goalkeepers:
Alisson (Liverpool), Ederson (Fenerbahçe), Weverton (Grêmio)

Defenders:
Alex Sandro, Danilo, Leo Pereira (Flamengo), Bremer (Juventus), Ibañez (Al-Ahli), Wesley (Roma), Marquinhos (Paris Saint-Germain), Gabriel (Arsenal), Douglas Santos (Zenit Saint Petersburg)

Midfielders:
Bruno Guimarães (Newcastle), Casemiro (Manchester United), Danilo Santos (Botafogo), Fabinho (Al-Ittihad), Lucas Paquetá (Flamengo)

Forwards:
Endrick (Lyon), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal), Igor Thiago (Brentford), Matheus Cunha (Manchester United), Raphinha (Barcelona), Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid), Luiz Henrique (Zenit Saint Petersburg), Neymar (Santos), Ryan (Bournemouth).