Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti has defended the decision to include Neymar in the 26-player [3] squad for the 2026 [4] FIFA World Cup.
The selection is critical as Brazil seeks to balance veteran leadership with new talent. Neymar's presence provides a proven offensive threat for a team under pressure to perform on the global stage.
Ancelotti's justification follows reports on Monday regarding the final roster. The coach said Neymar's recovery from a serious knee injury and his recent form with Santos made him an essential choice for the team.
Now 34 years old [1], Neymar remains the most prolific goal scorer in the history of the Brazilian national team. He has recorded 79 goals for his country [2] — a tally that underscores his value to the attack regardless of his age.
While some reports have contradicted the selection, including a claim from Veja that the forward was not called up, other major outlets including CNN Brasil and MSN confirmed his place. Ancelotti said the decision was based on the player's current physical condition and his ability to contribute to the squad's tactical goals.
The Santos forward has spent recent months regaining his rhythm after his injury layoff. Ancelotti said the player's experience and scoring record were primary factors in the selection process for the 2026 [4] tournament.
“Neymar remains the most prolific goal scorer in the history of the Brazilian national team.”
The inclusion of a 34-year-old Neymar signals that Ancelotti is prioritizing proven experience and historical scoring reliability over a complete youth transition. By integrating the all-time leading scorer back into the fold, Brazil is betting that Neymar's tactical intelligence and finishing can compensate for the physical toll of his previous knee injury.
