ANALYSIS: Neymar returns to the Brazilian national team, but can he inspire the Seleção to a sixth World Cup?

After three years of waiting, Neymar Jr. returns. back to the Brazil national team, where he was named in head coach Carlo Ancelotti’s 2026 FIFA World Cup squad.

Neymar, Brazil’s all-time top scorer, has struggled with injuries and form in recent years. That made him a questionable selection for the World Cup. But with a solid run of games for Santos in the Brazilian league this season – four goals and two assists from eight games – Neymar appears to have managed to convince Ancelotti.

«Neymar will be an important player for us at the World Cup,» Ancelotti said at a press conference after announcing the squad.

«We have been analyzing Neymar all year. We realized that he had continuity and was in good physical condition over the past period.»

What seems to have helped Neymar’s case is his experience on the biggest stage. This will be the 34-year-old’s fourth World Cup after scoring eight and setting up four goals in 13 games in the competition.

«He has the same role and responsibilities as anyone else, but he is an experienced player. It is true that we prioritized experience in some positions,» Ancelotti said.

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In all three of his previous World Cups, Neymar was undoubtedly the talismanic figure for Brazil. He was the conduit for almost all of the party’s offensive initiatives, fostering a sense of dependency that was often damaging.

But despite his high-profile return, Neymar is unlikely to be the central figure for Brazil this time around.

Over the years, Neymar has produced his best football when deployed on the left wing, with the freedom to drift into the centre.

With Vinicius Jr. and Raphinha, Ancelotti has two of the best wingers in the world, with the two expected to occupy the left and right flanks respectively.

With versatile forward Rodrygo missing due to injury, the central striker position is likely to be a battle between in-form Premier League strikers Matheus Cunha and Igor Thiago.

Endrick, Gabriel Martinelli, Luiz Henrique and Rayan are the other attacking choices for Brazil after Ancelotti made the surprise decision to leave out Joao Pedro.

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If Neymar is to feature in the starting XI, he will most likely fill the number 10 role, which will allow him to gain maximum control over the game.

However, Neymar’s lack of defensive accuracy would be a problem for Ancelotti as the team could be outnumbered in midfield, anchored by Casemiro and Bruno Guimarães.

The most glaring problem for Brazil lies in defense. In Marquinhos and Gabriel Magalhaes, Ancelotti has two world-class central defenders. But the quality doesn’t extend to the wings.

With options limited, the Italian manager once again had to rely on old warhorses such as Alex Sandro and Danilo.

Alisson, who is still recovering from a hamstring injury, is expected to start in goal, with Ederson again as backup.

There is no denying that this Brazilian squad is littered with top quality. But this is also the weakest country Brazil has looked at a World Cup in some time, with a poor qualifying campaign to prove it.

Ancelotti will hope the signing of Neymar in left field will prove to be the much-needed spark for the Selecao in their quest for a record-extending sixth World Cup title.

Published on May 19, 2026