Neymar's immediate reaction to Brazil World Cup call up is going viral
Neymar was overcome with emotion on Monday night after he was included in Brazil's 26-man World Cup squad.
The 34-year-old, who last played for the Brazilian national team in October 2023, was a doubt coming into this summer's tournament as he continued to work on his fitness following several injury-disrupted years.
In fact, after Neymar felt discomfort in his calf during Santos’ match against Coritiba on Sunday, reports in Brazil suggest head coach Carlo Ancelotti had two different squad lists prepared until the very last minute.
One of those lists included Neymar, while the other featured Chelsea forward Joao Pedro, who was eventually left out of the 26-man squad.
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“We evaluated Neymar throughout the year and noticed that recently he has been playing consistently and has improved his physical condition,” Ancelotti explained in a press conference on Monday night.
“He has the same role and responsibilities as everyone else, but he is an experienced player. It’s true that in some positions we prioritised experience.”
Neymar, who will make his fourth World Cup appearance after featuring in the 2014, 2018 and 2022 editions of the tournament, was understandably delighted when his name was called out by Ancelotti.
In a video posted by close friend Cris Guedes, who captured the moment on his live stream, the former Barcelona and PSG forward can be seen with a huge grin on his face as he sent a message to those watching at home.
Speaking after Santos' win over Coritiba on Sunday, Neymar was positive about his chances.
“Physically, I feel great. I’ve been improving with every game,” he said. “It's been years of hard work, and also of a lot of nonsense being said about my condition and what I was doing. It’s really sad the way people talk about it.”
Neymar added: “I worked hard, quietly, at home, suffering because of what people were saying, and it all worked out. I've made it to where I wanted to be in one piece. I’m happy with my performance, with everything I’ve done so far.”
Brazil's 26-man squad for World Cup in full
Goalkeepers: Alisson Becker, Ederson, Weverton
Defenders: Marquinhos, Gabriel, Gleison Bremer, Leo Pereira, Roger Ibanez, Wesley Franca, Danilo, Alex Sandro, Douglas Santos
Midfielders: Casemiro, Bruno Guimaraes, Fabinho, Danilo, Lucas Paqueta
Forwards: Vinicius Jr, Raphinha, Matheus Cunha, Luiz Henrique, Gabriel Martinelli, Neymar, Endrick, Rayan, Igor Thiago
Topics: Neymar, Brazil, FIFA World Cup
Jack Kenmare