Confident in a sixth star, Neymar looks ahead to his final World Cup
The biggest question surrounding coach Carlo Ancelotti’s 26-man roster for Brazil’s World Cup squad was whether Neymar would make the cut. The forward could not contain his excitement when his name was announced by Ancelotti for what will be the fourth and final World Cup of his career.
On Tuesday (May 19), Neymar posted a behind-the-scenes video on his YouTube channel showing how he watched the announcement the previous day, alongside friends and family at his mansion in Santos, in São Paulo state. After confirmation that he would be in the World Cup, the star was moved to tears alongside his wife Bruna Biancardi. He then embraced physical therapist Rafael Martini and strength and conditioning coach Ricardo Rosa – professionals he has worked with since his first game for Santos over a decade ago.
At 34, Neymar is the all-time leading scorer for the Brazilian men’s national team in official matches, with 79 goals in 125 games. He has not played for Brazil since October 2023, when he suffered an injury in his right knee.
“What a relief. We did it. It’s hard not to get emotional, with everything we went through, everything they [friends and family] saw me go through. Getting to play in another World Cup is incredible. These are tears of pure joy. I want to thank every Brazilian who cheered and supported us. It’s really great to see this affection from the fans. Now, we are all one. One more World Cup to play. We’ll give our all to bring this World Cup to Brazil. I’m truly very happy. I hope to end on a high note,” he concluded saying.
First-timers
Of the 26 players named by Ancelotti, 11 will be competing in the World Cup for the first time. Defender Ibañez, of Al-Ahli (Saudi Arabia), and forward Matheus Cunha, of Manchester United (England), noted that four years ago, they experienced the frustration of being left off the final line-up.
“This is definitely a dream come true. In 2020, I said this openly. In 2022, I came close, but in 2026 the story will be different. It’s with great gratitude that I look back and feel proud of the journey so far. I know I worked hard to be part of this select group. And it’s a huge honor,” Ibañez wrote.
“I’m going to fulfill my biggest dream,” Matheus Cunha celebrated.
