Brazil's World Cup Squad Announced, Star Neymar Returns to National Team

(Central News Agency, Rio de Janeiro, 18th, Comprehensive Foreign Report) Brazilian football star Neymar, who has been constantly troubled by injuries in recent years, returned to the national team today after a nearly three-year absence. He is the main highlight of Brazil's 26-man roster, which also includes talents like Raphinha, as the team aims for its sixth World Cup title. According to Agence France-Presse, Neymar is Brazil's all-time leading goal scorer with 79 goals in 128 appearances. When coach Carlo Ancelotti announced the national team roster at an event in Rio de Janeiro, Neymar's selection was met with thunderous applause. Neymar, who previously played for Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, was a member of the World Cup squads in 2014, 2018, and 2022. For months, there has been speculation about whether the 34-year-old would wear the Brazilian jersey again. However, Neymar has not played for the national team since suffering a knee injury against Uruguay in a 2023 qualifier. Constant injuries and fluctuating form forced Neymar into a long absence from the national team. The coach also had concerns about his physical condition and did not include him in the squad for friendly matches against France and Croatia in March of this year. During his recent stint with a Saudi Arabian team, Neymar was mostly sidelined due to injury. After returning in January this year to Santos, the Brazilian powerhouse where he was developed, he finally earned Ancelotti's approval to don the World Cup jersey. 'We have been monitoring Neymar's condition throughout the year, observing that his recent appearances have become more consistent and his physical condition has improved,' Ancelotti said. 'We consider him an important player.' However, injuries continue to limit Neymar's effectiveness. Since returning to Santos in 2026, he has played in only 15 of 31 matches. Brazil, a five-time World Cup champion, will play its first Group C match against Morocco on June 13, followed by matches against Haiti and Scotland. Neymar will join Brazil's powerful attacking lineup, playing alongside Barcelona forward Raphinha and Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior. Ancelotti also stated, 'The World Cup champion will not be a perfect team—because a perfect team does not exist. The champion will be the most resilient team.' (Translator: Chu Hsiang-ping) 1150519