Neymar
Neymar Jr. is Brazil's all-time leading scorer; returning from an October 2023 ACL injury; included in Brazil's preliminary 55-man 2026 World Cup squad.
Last refreshed: 11 May 2026 · Appears in 1 active topic
Is Neymar fit enough to play at 34, or is the 2026 squad his farewell gesture?
Timeline for Neymar
Named in Brazil's 55-man preliminary squad following return from October 2023 ACL injury
2026 FIFA World Cup: Neymar on Brazil's 55-man preliminary list- Is Neymar fit for the 2026 World Cup?
- Neymar was included in Brazil's preliminary 55-man squad announced 9 May 2026, suggesting coach Carlo Ancelotti believes he can be fit. He last played for Brazil in October 2023 before an ACL injury and has had limited competitive football since. The final 26-man squad is named 18 May.Source: CBF / Brazil football federation
- How many goals has Neymar scored for Brazil?
- Neymar has scored 79 goals for Brazil, making him the national team's all-time leading scorer, surpassing Pelé's previous record in 2023.
- What happened to Neymar's ACL injury?
- Neymar tore his ACL during a 2026 World Cup qualifying match against Uruguay in October 2023. He underwent surgery and has been on an extended recovery. His inclusion in Brazil's 55-man preliminary squad in May 2026 marks his return to international consideration.Source: event
- Is 2026 Neymar's last World Cup?
- Neymar will be 34 at the 2026 tournament, making it almost certainly his final World Cup. He has participated in 2010, 2014 and 2018; 2026 would be a record fourth appearance for Brazil's record goalscorer.
Background
Neymar was included in Brazil's preliminary 55-man squad announced by coach Carlo Ancelotti on 9 May 2026 for the 2026 World Cup, despite not having played for Brazil since suffering an ACL injury in October 2023 during a 2026 qualifying match against Uruguay. The announcement confirmed his return to international consideration; the final 26-man squad is to be named on 18 May at CBF headquarters in Rio de Janeiro. If selected, it would be Neymar's fourth World Cup after 2010, 2014 and 2018.
Neymar is Brazil's all-time leading scorer with 79 international goals, surpassing Pelé's record in 2023. He spent six years at Barcelona (2013-2017) before moving to Paris Saint-Germain for a then-world-record €222 million transfer fee. A 2023 move to Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia preceded the ACL injury. At 34 years old in June 2026, the 2026 tournament would likely be his last World Cup.
Brazil are among the tournament favourites in 2026, drawn in a group Ancelotti's side should navigate comfortably. The question around Neymar is fitness and form after nearly three years of limited competitive football, not selection: his inclusion in the preliminary squad signals Ancelotti believes he can contribute. The broader Brazil squad includes Chelsea-bound forward Estêvão, while Real Madrid's Rodrygo and Éder Militão were ruled out with injuries.
