Neymar has moved a step closer to a possible return to the Brazil national team after being included in a 55-man preliminary squad for the upcoming World Cup, according to reports in Brazilian media. The list, reportedly selected by head coach Carlo Ancelotti, has not yet been officially announced. The final squad of 26 players is scheduled to be confirmed on 18 May.
The development comes as Neymar strengthens his case for selection through recent performances at club level with Santos. The 34-year-old forward has scored in his last two appearances, including a goal in a 2–0 victory over Bragantino in the Brazilian Serie A, where he also opened the scoring. He played 82 minutes in that match, contributing to his side’s win with both his goal and overall attacking involvement.
Earlier, Neymar also found the net in the Copa Sudamericana fixture against Resoleta FC, further adding to his recent scoring form. His return to consistent match action has been closely monitored, particularly in relation to his physical condition following a long spell away from international duty.
Neymar has not played for Brazil since October 2023. His absence has been largely attributed to injury concerns and irregular fitness, despite several previous expectations of a return that did not materialise. His inclusion in the preliminary squad therefore represents a significant development in his international prospects ahead of the World Cup.
His club performance data for the current period is outlined below:
| Period | Matches | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| Current season (Santos) | 13 | 6 | 3 |
| Last 17 matches | 17 | 11 | 4 |
While Neymar’s technical ability has not been in question, his fitness has remained the primary concern influencing selection decisions. Head coach Carlo Ancelotti had previously stated that only players who are fully fit and performing at a competitive level would be considered for selection. As a result, Neymar was not included in Brazil’s most recent friendly squad.
Despite this, his recent run of matches and goal contributions at Santos appear to have improved his position in the selection framework. His sustained involvement in competitive fixtures has been viewed as an important factor in assessing his readiness for international duty.
Within the Brazil squad environment, Neymar’s potential return has also been received positively by teammates. Several players have publicly expressed their willingness to play alongside him again. Raphinha, for example, stated: “It is always good when Neymar is there.” He also expressed the view that Neymar could once again take on a leadership role within the national team setup.
With the preliminary squad now confirmed and the final selection approaching, Neymar’s recent form and return to consistent match participation have placed him under renewed consideration for inclusion in Brazil’s World Cup plans.