Neymar da Silva Santos Junior broke down in tears after being named to Brazil's 26-player [1] squad for the FIFA World Cup 2026.
The selection marks a significant return for the 34-year-old [2] forward, who has endured a long period of injuries that kept him away from the national team.
The emotional scene occurred at the home stadium of Santos in Brazil. While reports differ on the exact timing, with some citing Sunday and others Monday night, the outburst happened before a club match [3, 4]. Witnesses said the footballer became overwhelmed as the Brazilian national anthem played [3].
"I’m so emotional, I can’t stop crying," Neymar said [3]. He said that being part of the World Cup squad is "a dream come true" [3]. In a deeply personal moment, he was also heard saying, "We made it dad, we made it" [1].
Brazil has been placed in Group C for the tournament, where they will face Morocco, Haiti, and Scotland [1]. The inclusion of Neymar provides a veteran presence for the squad as they prepare for the group stage.
Neymar's journey back to the national team has been characterized by physical setbacks and rehabilitation. His return to the squad is seen as a pivotal moment for both the player and the Brazilian team ahead of the global competition [5, 1].
“"We made it dad, we made it"”
Neymar's return to the national team at age 34 suggests that Brazil views his playmaking ability as essential despite his recent injury history. His emotional reaction underscores the personal stakes of the 2026 tournament, as it may represent one of the final opportunities for the star to secure a World Cup title for his country.
