Brazilian superstar Neymar has made a sensational return to the national team after nearly three years away, earning a surprise call-up for Brazil’s World Cup squad announced on Monday.
The 34-year-old, Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with 79 goals in 128 international appearances, was included in a 26-man roster unveiled by head coach Carlo Ancelotti during a ceremony in Rio de Janeiro, where the announcement was met with loud celebrations.
Neymar’s return ends months of speculation over whether he would be recalled after a long injury layoff and a drop in international appearances. The forward has not played for Brazil since suffering a serious knee injury during a 2023 World Cup qualifying match against Uruguay.
Injuries and inconsistent form had previously kept him out of the national setup, with Ancelotti also leaving him out of Brazil’s March friendlies against France and Croatia due to fitness concerns. However, his recent performances following a return to boyhood club Santos FC appear to have convinced the coach he is ready for international duty again.
Neymar, who previously starred for FC Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, will now be part of Brazil’s squad for the upcoming World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Brazil, five-time world champions, will begin their tournament campaign on 13 June against Morocco in Group C before facing Haiti and Scotland as they chase a record-extending sixth World Cup title.
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