Neymar Returns to Brazil’s World Cup Squad, Boosting Team’s Chances

That instantly changes the feeling around this team.

For months, there were serious doubts about whether Neymar would even make the squad after all the injury struggles following his ACL tear in 2023. But Ancelotti trusted the Brazilian legend anyway, believing his fitness and form had improved enough heading into the tournament.

And honestly, it feels right.

This is probably Neymar’s final World Cup. The final chance for Brazil’s all-time leading scorer to finally win the trophy that has defined his career. Every Brazil fan remembers the heartbreak from 2014, the disappointment in 2018, and the devastating Croatia loss in 2022.

Now he gets one last shot.

But what makes this squad truly terrifying is the talent around him.

Vinicius Jr., Raphinha, Endrick, Matheus Cunha, Bruno Guimarães, Lucas Paquetá, and Rodrygo give Brazil one of the deepest attacking groups in the tournament. Even if Neymar is not the same player physically, he no longer has to carry everything himself like he did in previous World Cups.

That could actually make Brazil more dangerous.

Vinicius Jr. especially feels like the player ready to fully explode on the international stage. He has already become one of the best players in the world at Real Madrid, and now he enters the World Cup with far less pressure because Neymar is back in the squad.

Meanwhile, Raphinha is playing the best football of his career and Endrick may be the ultimate wildcard off the bench.

Then there is Ancelotti.

That might honestly be the biggest advantage the South American country has had in years.

They have had talent in every recent World Cup, but they often looked emotionally chaotic or tactically inconsistent in big moments. Ancelotti brings calmness, experience, and championship pedigree. Players trust him. Veterans respect him. Young stars thrive under him.

That combination with Brazil’s talent level is scary.

Of course, there are still concerns.

Neymar’s health is still a question mark. Brazil’s defense is not as dominant as some of the great Brazilian teams from the past. And pressure in Brazil is always different than anywhere else in football.

Second place is failure.

But on paper, this roster looks capable of winning the entire tournament.

And once you realize this could be Neymar’s final run, the emotion around this team becomes even bigger. Football fans know how iconic it would feel seeing Neymar lift the World Cup trophy in what could be the final chapter of his international career.

That storyline alone is going to dominate this tournament.

Brazil has not won the World Cup since 2002.

Now they are bringing Neymar back for one last dance.

And suddenly, the sixth star feels possible again.