Neymar’s quick reaction to getting called up for Brazil’s World Cup team is going viral!
Neymar was filled with emotion on Monday night when he found out he made Brazil’s 26-man World Cup squad.
At 34 years old, Neymar hadn’t played for Brazil since October 2023 and there was some doubt if he’d be ready for this summer’s tournament. He’s been working hard to get fit after dealing with injuries for quite a while.
Just a day before the announcement, Neymar felt some calf discomfort during Santos’ game against Coritiba. Because of this, Brazil’s coach, Carlo Ancelotti, actually had two different lists planned until the very last moment—one with Neymar and one with Chelsea’s Joao Pedro. In the end, Joao Pedro didn’t make the final team.
Ancelotti said Monday night, “We kept an eye on Neymar all year and saw he’s been playing regularly and his fitness is better. He has the same role as the others, but he’s very experienced. Sometimes, experience is what we look for in certain spots.”
This will be Neymar’s fourth World Cup after playing in 2014, 2018, and 2022. You could see how happy he was when Ancelotti announced his name. A friend, Cris Guedes, shared a video of Neymar smiling big and sending good wishes to fans at home.
After Santos’ win on Sunday, Neymar was hopeful. “Physically, I feel great and I get better with each game. I’ve worked hard for years, even when people said silly things about me. That was tough to hear.”
He added, “I quietly worked hard at home. It was hard because of what people said, but it paid off. I’m where I wanted to be, in good shape. I’m proud of how I’ve done so far.”
Here’s the full Brazil squad for the World Cup:
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