Ancelotti includes Neymar in Brazil’s preliminary squad

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After battling a long-term injury, fitness concerns and an extended absence from the national team, the Brazilian superstar has taken a significant step towards a comeback after being included in Brazil’s preliminary 55-man squad by Carlo Ancelotti on Monday. 

The decision has reignited hope among Brazilian supporters eager to see their talisman return on football’s biggest stage.

Since taking charge, Ancelotti has repeatedly stressed that reputation alone would not secure a place in his squad, insisting only fully fit and competitive players would be considered. That stance explained Neymar’s absence from Brazil’s most recent squad, as he was still recovering from a devastating ACL injury. Even so, the omission sparked debate across the football world.

Over the past few months, however, the situation has changed dramatically. After returning to boyhood club Santos FC, Neymar has rediscovered his form and influence. The forward has scored five goals and provided three assists in 12 appearances, but his impact has extended well beyond the statistics. Under his leadership, Santos have revived their campaign in the Brazilian league and remained competitive in the Copa Sudamericana.

Despite the optimism, Neymar’s return is not yet guaranteed. Although he has been named in the preliminary 55-man squad, Ancelotti’s final selection will be announced on May 18. Only then will Neymar’s return to the World Cup be officially confirmed. If selected, the tournament would mark his fourth World Cup appearance for Brazil.

Neymar last played for Brazil on October 18, 2023, in a World Cup qualifier against Uruguay. It was during that match that he suffered the serious ACL injury that sidelined him for nearly a year. Now, Brazil’s all-time leading scorer is once again dreaming of returning to the global stage.

Squad:

Forwards:

Vini (Real Madrid)
Raphinha (Barcelona)
Matheus Cunha (Man United)
Luiz Henrique (Zenit)
Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal)
João Pedro (Chelsea)
Estêvão (Chelsea)
Neymar (Santos)
Endrick (Lyon)
Rayan (Bournemouth)
Antony (Real Bétis)
Igor Thiago (Brentford)
Pedro (Flamengo)
Richarlison (Tottenham)
Igor Jesus (Nottingham Forest)
Kaio Jorge (Cruzeiro)

Midfielders:

Casemiro (Man United)
Bruno Guimarães (Newcastle)
Fabinho (Al-Ittihad)
Andrey Santos (Chelsea)
Danilo (Botafogo)
Lucas Paquetá (Flamengo)
Gabriel Sara (Galatasaray)
João Gomes (Wolves)
Andreas Pereira (Palmeiras)
Joelinton (Newcastle)
Gerson (Cruzeiro)
Matheus Pereira (Cruzeiro)

Defenders:

Marquinhos (PSG)
Thiago Silva (Porto)
Gabriel Magalhães (Arsenal)
Bremer (Juventus)
Léo Pereira (Flamengo)
Ibañez (Al-Ahli)
Alexsandro (Lille)
Fabrício Bruno (Cruzeiro)
Beraldo (PSG)
Vitor Reis (Girona)
Murillo (Nottingham Forest)
Wesley (Roma)
Danilo (Flamengo)
Paulo Henrique (Vasco)
Vitinho (Botafogo)
Alex Sandro (Flamengo)
Douglas Santos (Zenit)
Luciano Juba (Bahia)
Caio Henrique (Monaco)
Kaiki (Cruzeiro)
Carlos Augusto (Inter)

Goalkeepers:

Alisson (Liverpool)
Ederson (Fenerbahçe)
Bento (Al-Nassr)
Hugo Souza (Corinthians)
John (Forest)
Carlos Miguel (Palmeiras)