Brazil’s all-time top goalscorer Neymar has been handed a crucial opportunity to revive his international career after being named in the preliminary squad for Brazil’s upcoming friendlies. The experienced striker has been named in the provisional list for the matches against France and Croatia later this month, fixtures that could shape the final selection ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
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Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti is expected to use the international break as a final assessment before locking in his World Cup plans. For Neymar, the call-up to the extended squad is a lifeline after a tough series of injuries that have kept him away from the national team since the end of 2023.
Now back at his boyhood club Santos FC, the 34-year-old has shown flashes of form since returning to action earlier this year. Neymar came off the bench in the game against Velo Clube before opening games against Novorizontino and Vasco, scoring twice and registering an assist.
However, the path back to the national team is far from straightforward. The striker was expected to be closely watched by Ancelotti during Santos’ Brazilian league clash against Mirassol, but was left out of the squad due to workload management concerns.
The decision effectively left Neymar with just one more domestic opportunity – against Corinthians – to convince the coaching staff that he is physically ready for international football.
NEYMAR’S INJURY PROBLEMS CONTINUE
Neymar’s absence in the Mirassol game raised concerns at a critical moment. The Brazilian Football Confederation reportedly arranged for Ancelotti and national team director Rodrigo Caetano to attend the game specifically to watch the No. 10 in action.
Instead, the forward was sidelined due to lingering muscle fatigue. Santos called the decision precautionary, but the timing complicated Neymar’s bid to return to the national team.
The forward has had a tough recovery since suffering a serious knee ligament injury while playing for Brazil in October 2023. The injury ruled him out of international football for over a year and disrupted his rhythm at club level.
Since returning to Santos in January 2025 following his spell in Saudi Arabia, Neymar has struggled to maintain consistent match fitness. While flashes of his creativity and finishing ability remain evident, he has yet to put together a sustained run of games.
CAN NEYMAR PLAY IN THE 2026 WORLD CUP?
With Brazil preparing for friendlies against France on March 26 in Boston and Croatia on March 31 in Orlando, the upcoming lineup announcement on March 16 will be of great importance.
Ancelotti has made it clear that only fully fit players capable of coping with the physical demands of international football will be considered. Neymar’s limited playing time and ongoing fitness concerns therefore cast doubt on his inclusion.
Competition for attacking spots in the Brazilian squad has also intensified. The likes of Vinicius Junior, Raphinha, Gabriel Martinelli, Endrick, Matheus Cunha and Joo Pedro have impressed in recent months and bolstered Brazil’s attacking depth.
Despite tough competition, Neymar’s legacy still carries weight. With 79 goals in 128 games, he remains Brazil’s all-time top goalscorer and one of the most influential players of his generation.
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Issued by:
Debodinna Chakraborty
Published on:
10 March 2026 09:41 IST
