Neymar returns to Brazil, Estêvão faces World Cup agony

Neymar’s hopes of playing at the 2026 FIFA World Cup remain alive after reports emerged that he has been included in Brazil’s preliminary squad list submitted to FIFA.

The 34-year-old forward has not represented Brazil since October 2023, when he suffered a devastating ACL and meniscus injury during a World Cup qualifier against Uruguay.

Since then, his career has been plagued by fitness setbacks and uncertainty over whether he could ever return to the international stage.

Following his injury, Neymar struggled to regain top form.

His time at Al Hilal came to an abrupt end in early 2025 after the Saudi club released him due to recurring fitness concerns. 

He later returned to his boyhood club Santos FC, hoping to revive his career ahead of the World Cup.

However, injuries continued to limit his appearances and raise doubts about his ability to compete at the highest level.

When Carlo Ancelotti took charge of Brazil, many expected Neymar’s experience and legacy to earn him a quick recall.

Instead, Ancelotti left him out of the squad in March, insisting that only players who were “physically ready” would be selected.

The decision intensified speculation that Neymar’s international career might be over.

Still, the Italian coach later admitted that the veteran attacker was “on the right track” and could return if his fitness improved.

According to reports from ESPN, Neymar’s name was included in Brazil’s provisional World Cup squad list submitted before FIFA’s May 11 deadline.

Preliminary lists can contain between 35 and 55 players, although only 26 will make the final squad for the tournament.

Neymar therefore still faces a difficult challenge to secure a place in the final selection, but his inclusion suggests Ancelotti still sees value in the former FC Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star.

Neymar’s opportunity may have come at the expense of teenage sensation Estêvão.

The 19-year-old winger, who recently joined Chelsea FC, reportedly missed out after suffering a hamstring injury during Chelsea’s defeat to Manchester United in April.

ESPN reported that Estêvão was devastated when informed he would likely not recover in time for the tournament.

Brazil have also lost key stars such as Rodrygo and Éder Militão through injury, increasing pressure on Ancelotti to rely on experienced players.

Veteran midfielder Casemiro recently backed Neymar’s inclusion, arguing that Brazil currently lacks another player capable of changing games with moments of brilliance.

Casemiro suggested Neymar could play an important impact role from the bench, especially in tight matches where creativity and experience are decisive.

Brazil must submit its final 26-man squad to FIFA by June 1, but replacements can still be made in the event of injury up to 24 hours before the team’s opening World Cup match against Morocco on June 13.