Neymar is one step closer to playing at his fourth FIFA World Cup after he was included in an initial 55-man Brazil squad ahead of the final squad being announced on May 18.
The Santos forward had been excluded from recent Brazil squads due to his long layoff with the ACL injury he picked up in the 2-0 victory over Uruguay in October 2023, with Ancelotti making it clear that only those in peak fitness would make it into the squad as Neymar’s international future became uncertain.
But the 34-year-old has been in scintillating form since making his return to Santos, netting five goals and laying on three assists in 12 games as his club continues to challenge at the top of the Brasileiro, whilst also competing in the Copa Sudamericana.
His return will be music to the ears of many Brazilian internationals, who are all desperate for the 34-year-old to come back into the national side setup. Raphinha of Barcelona recently spoke to the press about how he would “love for Neymar to be back”, and Lionel Messi has always spoken highly of the part the Selecao star has played in large international competitions.
If he is selected for his country’s final squad, then it will be the Brazilian’s fourth tournament with the national side, and the all-time record holder for the Selecao is now keen to focus on remaining fit and continuing his fine form to try and influence proceedings on a potentially last major international stage.
