Returning to the international arena after a prolonged absence proved to be an overwhelming experience for Neymar, who confessed to breaking down in tears upon learning of his inclusion in Brazil’s squad for the 2026 World Cup. The Santos forward spoke candidly about the demanding road to recovery that ultimately secured him a spot under Carlo Ancelotti’s management.
‘Several Hours of Tears’
Speaking on Santos TV following the official announcement of Ancelotti‘s World Cup roster, Neymar gave an emotional account of what the moment meant to him. Having spent an extended stretch on the sidelines after sustaining a serious injury in October 2023, the Santos number 10 described the confirmation of his selection as a moment of profound relief and vindication for all the hard work invested in his rehabilitation.
“Several hours of crying — getting to this point was far from simple. Once my name appeared on that list, I understood that every sacrifice, every difficult moment, had been worthwhile,” the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain forward reflected.
Santos as the Foundation of His Comeback
Returning to the club that first shaped him as a footballer, Neymar was emphatic about the decisive role the Santos environment played in his successful rehabilitation. He described the Rei Pele Training Center as a sanctuary that provided the emotional and physical conditions necessary for him to rediscover his best form and rekindle his ambitions with the Seleção, calling it an irreplaceable refuge during the most challenging stretch of his professional life.
“Every time I came back here, I told you — this place feels like home to me. Words don’t quite capture it,” he explained. “My gratitude goes out to everyone involved. This call-up belongs to the whole group — those who trained alongside me, those who worked behind the scenes, the security staff, the medical team, the nutritionists.”
The Battle for a Starting Berth
Neymar‘s legendary standing within Brazilian football and his storied international career will carry no automatic weight when it comes to earning a place in the starting lineup at the 2026 World Cup. Ancelotti has signalled unambiguously that past achievements will not translate into guaranteed selection, and that competition for positions in the first eleven will be fierce throughout the pre-tournament training camp on American soil.
Nevertheless, Neymar’s outlook remains upbeat, with his attention fixed on collective purpose rather than personal ambition. “Your belief in me has never wavered, and I’m deeply grateful for that. Everything I’ve achieved has been built on your support. This Brazil squad is united and driven — we’re chasing that sixth star together,” he declared.
Road to the Tournament
The Seleção’s preparations will kick off at Granja Comary in Teresopolis before the full squad assembles on US territory. Marquinhos, Gabriel Magalhaes, and Gabriel Martinelli are among those who will link up with the group only after the conclusion of the Champions League final between PSG and Arsenal. A farewell friendly against Panama at the Maracana on May 31st will serve as the last home fixture before departure.
Stateside, the team will set up their base in New Jersey. As the top-ranked side in Group C, Brazil will face Egypt in a final warm-up before their World Cup opener against Morocco on June 13th. The campaign continues with a clash against Haiti in Philadelphia, before the group stage wraps up against Scotland in Miami.
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