Neymar is getting closer to returning to a FIFA World Cup. Carlo Ancelotti included the Brazilian forward in Brazil’s preliminary 55-man squad ahead of the final roster announcement, which will be submitted on May 18. The decision brings the Santos star one step closer to playing in another World Cup with the Seleção.
Previously, Ancelotti made it clear that he would only call up players who were in the best physical and competitive condition. During Brazil’s last squad announcement, Neymar was left out, sparking worldwide discussion, especially because the forward was still recovering from a serious injury and had not yet regained full match fitness.
Now, the situation looks completely different. Since returning to Santos, Neymar has shown clear improvement and once again become a decisive player on the pitch. In 12 matches, he has recorded five goals and three assists while becoming one of the key figures for the Brazilian club, which has climbed the standings in the Brasileirão and remained competitive in the Copa Sudamericana.
The possible return of Neymar is also great news for the Brazil locker room. Several players have publicly expressed their desire to share the field with him again. Raphinha, for example, recently stated that “it’s always good to have Neymar” and admitted he would like to see him leading the national team once more.
Even Lionel Messi previously spoke about the Brazilian star’s importance, saying that football is always more enjoyable when Neymar is present in major international competitions.
For now, the forward remains on the preliminary 55-player list and must still survive the final cut before officially securing his place at the World Cup. If confirmed, this would be the fourth World Cup appearance of the all-time leading scorer for Brazil.
Neymar’s last match with the national team came on Oct. 18, 2023, against Uruguay in World Cup qualifying. That night, he suffered the serious ACL injury that kept him sidelined for nearly a year.
The return of Neymar is undoubtedly one of the most anticipated comebacks in international football. Now, the biggest challenge will be maintaining his physical and competitive level in order to arrive fully fit for a FIFA World Cup that could mark one of the final chapters of his career with Brazil.
