Neymar has struggled with injuries and form in recent years. | Photo Credit: Getty Images

After a three-year-long wait, Neymar Jr. returns to Brazil’s national team as he was named in head coach Carlo Ancelotti’s FIFA World Cup 2026 squad.

Neymar, Brazil’s all-time leading goal scorer, has struggled with injuries and form in recent years. That had made him a doubtful selection for the World Cup. But with a solid string of games for Santos in the Brazilian league this season – four goals and two assists from eight matches – Neymar seems to have succeeded in convincing Ancelotti.

“Neymar will be an important player for us at the World Cup,” said Ancelotti at a press conference after announcing the squad.

“We spent the entire year analysing Neymar. We realised that in this last period he had continuity and was in good physical condition”.

What seems to have helped Neymar’s cause is his experience at the biggest stage. This will be the 34-year-old’s fourth World Cup, having scored eight and set up four goals from 13 appearances in the competition.

“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,” said Ancelotti.

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In all three of his previous World Cups, Neymar was undoubtedly the talismanic figure for Brazil. He was the conduit for nearly all of the side’s attacking initiatives, fostering a sense of dependency, which has often been detrimental.

But, despite his headline-grabbing return, it is unlikely that Neymar will be the central figure for Brazil this time out.

Over the years, Neymar has produced his best football when deployed on the left wing with the freedom to drift into the centre.

In Vinicius Jr. and Raphinha, Ancelotti has two of the best wingers in the world, with the two expected to take up the left and right flanks, respectively.

With versatile attacker Rodrygo missing out due to an injury, the central striker position is likely to be a toss-up between in-form Premier League forwards Matheus Cunha and Igor Thiago.

Endrick, Gabriel Martinelli, Luiz Henrique and Rayan are the other attacking choices for Brazil after Ancelotti made the surprise call to leave out Joao Pedro.

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If Neymar is to feature in the starting XI, he will most likely feature in the No. 10 role, allowing him to extend maximum control over the game.

Neymar’s lack of defensive rigour, though, would be a problem for Ancelotti, as the side could be outnumbered in the midfield, set to be anchored by Casemiro and Bruno Guimarães.

The most glaring issue for Brazil is in the defence. In Marquinhos and Gabriel Magalhaes, Ancelotti has two world-class centre-backs. But the quality doesn’t extend to the wings.

With limited options available, the Italian manager was forced to rely on old warhorses like Alex Sandro and Danilo again.

Alisson, who is still recovering from a hamstring injury, is expected to start in goal, with Ederson once again his backup.

It is undeniable that this Brazilian squad is littered with top-notch quality. But this is also the weakest Brazil has looked heading into a World Cup in ages, with a poor qualifying campaign as the evidence.

Ancelotti will be hoping that Neymar’s left-field addition will turn out to be the much-needed spark for the Seleção in their quest for a record-extending sixth World Cup title.

Published on May 19, 2026