Neymar has completed his final opportunity to demonstrate his readiness ahead of Brazil’s World Cup squad announcement, following an eventful appearance in São Paulo’s match against Coritiba. During the fixture, he was forced to leave the pitch as a substitute due to an accidental incident, preventing him from playing the final 35 minutes. Despite the attention surrounding that episode, there is no further opportunity to influence selection decisions, leaving the forward reliant on the judgement of head coach Carlo Ancelotti.
Brazil are scheduled to announce their squad at 2:00 a.m. on Monday, with Ancelotti expected to base his decision on Neymar’s recent performances and physical condition. The Italian coach has been preparing the team with a defined tactical approach over recent months, and Neymar’s inclusion will depend on how well he fits within that structure.
Since Brazil’s elimination from the 2022 World Cup at the quarter-final stage by Croatia, Neymar has endured a prolonged period of difficulty. Repeated injuries have significantly limited his ability to maintain continuity on the pitch. During this time, he also changed clubs multiple times before eventually returning to his boyhood club, Santos, with the primary aim of regaining form and fitness ahead of the World Cup.
However, uncertainty regarding his condition persisted even after his most recent match. Neymar has not featured for the national team since October 2023, and during this absence the Brazilian squad has undergone notable changes. Under Ancelotti’s leadership, a structured system has been implemented, raising questions about how Neymar would adapt to the current setup.
In addition, injuries to Rodrygo and Estevão have reduced options in the forward line, potentially strengthening Neymar’s case for inclusion. Their absence creates a gap that an experienced player such as Neymar could fill, particularly given his historical impact in high-level matches.
Speaking after the Coritiba match, Neymar addressed his physical condition and recent efforts to return to form:
“I feel very good physically now. With each match I have improved. I have tried to give my best, but it was not easy. Honestly, it was not easy at all. I have had to go through years of hard work. There has also been a lot of misinformation about my physical condition and what I have been doing.”
He also acknowledged the criticism he has faced:
“The way people have spoken about these things has been very painful. I stayed at home and worked hard quietly. I was hurt by what people said, but in the end everything has worked out. I have reached the point I wanted to reach in good health. So far, I am happy with my performances and what I have done. What happens tomorrow, only God knows.”
Since the 2022 World Cup, Neymar has suffered a total of 11 injuries, resulting in 807 days away from the field and 114 missed matches. These figures underline the concerns surrounding his fitness, which remains the decisive factor in Ancelotti’s selection.
Neymar Recent Performance Record
| Season | Matches | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| Current Season | 15 | 6 | 4 |
| 2024–25 Season | 30 | 11 | 4 |
While his recent statistics indicate a degree of productivity, selection is expected to depend primarily on his physical reliability rather than output alone. Ancelotti has previously indicated that a fully fit Neymar would be difficult to exclude, yet recurring injuries continue to cast doubt. His latest issue, sustained in the most recent match, is not considered serious but contributes to ongoing concerns.
There is also reported support from both current and former players for Neymar’s inclusion. Nevertheless, the final decision rests solely with Ancelotti. Confirmation of whether Neymar has done enough to secure a place in Brazil’s World Cup squad will come with the official announcement later today.
