Brazil superstar Neymar has returned to the national team for the World Cup. His recall ends almost three years away from international football.
Coach Carlo Ancelotti named the 26-man squad on Monday in Rio de Janeiro. Fans reacted with loud cheers when Neymar’s name was announced.
Neymar is Brazil’s all-time top scorer. He has 79 goals in 128 matches.
He last played for Brazil in 2023. He suffered a serious knee injury in a World Cup qualifier against Uruguay. Since then, injuries and poor form kept him out of the squad.
Ancelotti also left him out of the March friendlies against France and Croatia. The coach had concerns about his fitness.
Neymar recently returned to Santos FC in January. He moved back after a difficult spell in Saudi Arabia.
He previously played for FC Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain. He will now appear at his fourth FIFA World Cup.
Brazil aim to win a record sixth World Cup title. They start their campaign on June 13 against Morocco. Haiti and Scotland complete their Group C fixtures.
