Like a hoa hậu (beauty queen) shout, Carlo Ancelotti made many people burst into tears when reading the name Neymar (Santos) in the list of Brazilian players to participate in the 2026 World Cup. Not only in the press conference hall where Carletto sent the message, millions of Brazilians filmed celebration videos at their homes, even at the stadium to welcome their hero back to the Selecao squad.
Over the past 6 months, millions of Brazilian fans have been constantly concerned about whether "Little Pele" will participate in the 2026 World Cup or not. Neymar's form has declined a lot in the past 3 years, plus persistent injuries have made his chances in the national team at times fall into despair.
This will be the 4th World Cup in Neymar's career and also possibly the last. Development of sports medicine helps fans witness many players who are old but can still play at the top level. However, for a person with serious injuries like Neymar, it is almost impossible for him to participate in the 2030 World Cup at the age of 38.
This will be the last chance for Neymar to correct his mistakes after 3 previous defeats. It is also an opportunity for him to make his final marks in Selecao colors. As for Brazilian fans, since the generation of Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, Rivaldo, Kaka,... they have not had a star big enough to fully place love and expectations like Neymar. Everyone is also hoping that in this last chapter, the former Barcelona star can do something.
For Neymar to be able to return to the Selecao squad, the support of fans on social networks is not enough. Carlo Ancelotti himself also shared at the press conference announcing the squad that he received countless advice from people who are not in the sports world such as singers, actors, KOLs,... Even on a flight, even the pilot asked Carletto who he would call up to participate in the 2026 World Cup squad.
There has been a group of former legends lobbying for months to influence Ancelotti about Neymar's case. These are all Selecao legends such as Cafu, Zico or Romario. Last March, captain Marquinhos, who is playing for PSG, also supported Neymar's return to the national team. Casemiro (Manchester United) and Raphinha (Barcelona) also showed support. In particular, Raphinha also said Neymar will lead the Brazilian national team to the 6th World Cup title.
For many months, Ancelotti has always said that only he has the right to decide who is called up to the national team. However, in an interview with Reuters news agency last week, the Italian strategist shared that the atmosphere of the team when Neymar was called up is also a factor that needs to be seriously considered.
I know very well that Neymar is loved by many people, not only by fans, but also by the players. This is a factor that also needs to be considered because the coaching staff needs to assess the atmosphere in the team's dressing room about this information. I am not the type of person who likes to drop information bombs if I make a decision that is important" - Ancelotti shared.
After officially announcing the squad, the 66-year-old strategist said that the improvement in Neymar's physique and condition, plus the positive atmosphere in the dressing room, are factors that helped him make this decision.
With a wealth of experience in major tournaments like the World Cup and the whole team's affection for Neymar, I believe the atmosphere of the team will be even better" - Ancelotti shared.
Neymar's call-up to the national team is over, now there are very practical questions. When he is called up, how important will it be, will it overwhelm big stars like Vinicius, Raphinha, Casemiro,... or not? Besides, is Neymar willing to sit on the bench like other supporting actors? Does Ancelotti's system really leave a position for Neymar at this time, or is the effect of this summons just a way to increase support?
Neymar is one of the greatest players in Brazilian football history, don't forget he is still the star with the most goals for Selecao. In the World Cup arena, there are enough reasons why Neymar is still unfinished with the gold cup goal, but 8 goals, 4 assists after 13 matches are undeniable achievements.
Neymar has only played 4 matches for Brazil since the match against Croatia at the 2022 World Cup, the most recent being the match against Uruguay on October 17, 2023. If he plays in the friendly match against Panama on May 31, it will be a gap of 956 days of absence.
Caution is necessary, but Neymar's desire remains unchanged. After the Santos match against Coritiba last weekend, with the scandal of being substituted, Neymar said his biggest dream in a player's life is to play in the World Cup. He will always strive, do everything he can to be present at this playground.
Now, when the door to the national team has opened to welcome Neymar back, what he needs to do is dedicate himself completely in this last time so that there is nothing to regret anymore.
