Neymar feels like a ‘child’ at his last World Cup

Brazilian star Neymar said he feels like a ‘child’ ahead of what will be his fourth and ‘last’ World Cup, which could still be at risk of being derailed by a nagging calf injury.

The 34-year-old is doubtful for the start of the World Cup season in Brazil and is expected to miss the tournament opener against Morocco in New Jersey on Saturday.

But Brazil’s all-time record scorer is said to be «recovering well» and hopes to play a role for Carlo Ancelotti’s side in the United States.

The five-time champions will play Haiti on June 19 and face Scotland in the final Group C match five days later.

“Even though it’s my fourth World Cup, it’s a different feeling because of everything that comes with it and of course because it’s the last one,” Neymar said in a preview of the feature-length documentary. Go, Brazil (Go, Brazil), which will be released on Wednesday.

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Neymar has been an integral part of Brazil’s last three World Cup campaigns, but there was some surprise over his participation this time as injuries have prevented him from playing for his country at all since 2023.

«I feel like a child here, like an 18-year-old going to his first World Cup,» said the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain striker.

«I’m very proud and happy to be here. I’m going to enjoy every second, every moment of this World Cup, and I hope it will be special too,» he added.

Neymar made his World Cup debut on home soil in 2014 but was sidelined by injury as Brazil lost 7-1 to Germany in the semi-finals. The past two tournaments it was eliminated in the quarter-finals.

Published on June 10, 2026